[Rakuten Eagles] Manager Masato Yoshii, who took over mid-season, said 'We must all accept the result of finishing in last place...' during his speech at the final game ceremony. The team finished in last place for the first time in eight years with 26 games under .500.

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Manager Masato Yoshii greets the fans after the final game of the season (Kenta Maeda is on the left) (Camera: Masahiko Ikeuchi)

Pacific League: Rakuten Eagles 3-1 Softbank Hawks (5th, Rakuten Mobile Saikyo Park Miyagi)

The Rakuten Eagles played their final game of the season and secured a win against the Softbank Hawks. The team finished in last place for the first time in eight years. They ended this season with 58 wins, 84 losses, and 1 draw, finishing 26 games below .500.

A ceremony for the final game was held after the match. Manager Yoshii, who took office mid-season, gave a speech. He stated, 'I am sorry for causing everyone such unpleasant feelings this season. All the players have accepted the result of finishing in last place and are working hard toward next year.'

Towards the end of the season, a glimmer of hope for next season gradually appeared. On this day as well, they secured a win against the league champions, the Softbank Hawks. The manager gave a powerful call to action, saying, 'The players are showing their fighting spirit every day, and today was another good game. We will practice this winter so that we can see many games like this next season, and I want to do our best for next year.'

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[Rakuten Eagles] Manager Masato Yoshii, who took over mid-season, said 'We must all accept the result of finishing in last place...' during his speech at the final game ceremony. The team finished in last place for the first time in eight years with 26 games under .500.