◆ Pacific League Softbank Hawks 1-2 Seibu Lions (August 8, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

On the 8th, Seibu Lions won two consecutive games against Softbank Hawks, securing their first series win of the season. Manager Nishiguchi praised starting pitcher Kosei Takahashi and first-round draft catcher Taiga Kojima (Meiji University), saying, "This win was earned by the battery."

The two had formed a battery for two consecutive games. In their previous start on the 1st against Orix Buffaloes (at Belluna Dome), despite hit 5 hits in 6 innings, Kojima also recorded 3 passed balls in a single game, tying the worst record in NPB history, resulting in 4 runs allowed (0 earned) and a loss. After the game, the rookie said dejectedly, "I wasn't technically good enough. I feel sorry for pitcher. I want to use today as motivation and do my best from tomorrow."

A week later, Takahashi Hikaru was vague about the details, saying, "I can't say," but in a game where they had engaged in meticulous communication, they successfully achieved a magnificent revenge. The manager praised the two, saying, "Hikaru was absolutely fantastic today, and although Kojima had some passed ball last time, he led the game well today. This win was earned by the battery."