◆パ・リーグ　ロッテ５―３日本ハム（１６日・ＺＯＺＯマリン）

Lotte's fifth-year pitcher, Akira Yagi (28), earned his first professional win on the 15th, and has now been winning pitcher for two consecutive days. This is a rare record, making him only the sixth player to achieve this since the draft system was implemented, and the first time for the team, including the period before the system was introduced. "I think I'm doing something really rare. I guess things like this do happen," he said, looking a little embarrassed.

He took the mound in relief from the fifth inning, replacing the starting pitcher Kimura. He attacked the inside corner with two-two seam fastball, mixing in fork and slider, and pitched two innings, allowing only one hit and no runs. His team took the lead in the sixth inning, and he earned the win. "I was pitching with the feeling that I should just get on base quickly so that no runner would get on base," he recalled.

The right-hander showed his presence with two consecutive nights of outstanding performance, stating, "I want to be able to do anything, from long pitches to one-pointers," demonstrating his determination to keep throwing for the team in any situation. The team won the series and escaped last place. Manager Saburo praised the player with number 33, saying, "His only redeeming quality is his toughness. He pitched well yesterday, so it was a great help."