◆ Pacific League Nippon-Ham 3-5 Seibu Lions (17th, ES CON FIELD)

Nippon-Ham suffered a painful come-from-behind loss, extending their losing streak to three games, tying their worst record of the season. They are now two games below .500.

In the bottom of the first inning, immediately after falling behind by one run, third-round starting line-up pick Otsuka, making his professional debut as the leadoff hitter and second doble, hit. Following the rookie's hit, two sacrifice fly flies quickly put them in the lead. In the fourth inning, Manami hit his seventh home run of the season, a solo shot over the right field fence, putting him at the top of the league in home runs and extending the lead.

Starting pitcher Kitayama pitched well, giving up only two runs in six innings, but the relief pitchers proved to be a disappointment. In the seventh inning, second pitcher Uehara gave up a go-ahead two-run homer to Kuwahara, and in the eighth inning, third pitcher Yamazaki allowed another home run to Yamamura, extending the lead.

In the 8th inning with one bases loaded, their main hope, Reyes, grounded into double play, sealing their fate. After the game, manager Shinjo said matter-of-factly, "If Reyes couldn't get a hit, it would be easier to accept. He had been hitting well up until then." He also applauded Otsuka, who got the first hit saying, "Congratulations. That's impressive; to get breaking ball there in your first at-bat."