◆ Farm Championship First Stage: Nippon-Ham vs. Softbank Hawks (3rd, Shizuoka)

Softbank Hawks took a two-run lead in the second inning following consecutive bases-loaded Walk.

After building a scoring opportunity with the bases loaded starting from a hit to center field by the lead-off fifth batter, infielder Yuto Akihiro, the first batter, outfielder Yoshiyasu Sasakawa, and the second batter, outfielder Shuya Oizumi, both drew a Walk from a full count, resulting in two runs from consecutive bases-loaded walks. Nippon-Ham starting pitcher Sorato Kawakatsu, who struggled with his control, was replaced by the second pitcher, Shoma Kanemura, before completing two innings.

The Farm Championship, which determines the number one farm team in the Farm League reorganized into a three-district system starting this year, will feature Nippon-Ham (1st in the East District), DeNA (1st in the Central District), Softbank Hawks (1st in the West District), and The Giants (Central District), who had the highest winning percentage among the second-place teams in each district. On the 3rd, two matches will be held in the first stage: Nippon-Ham vs. Softbank Hawks and DeNA vs. The Giants, with the winners facing off in the final stage on the 4th for the national title.