◆ Pacific League Softbank Hawks 0-5 Lotte (25th, Kumamoto)

Softbank Hawks suffered a defeat, marking their first four consecutive series opening games lost since manager Kokubo took over. Their offense was silent, managing only six hit and no runs. The manager expressed his concern.

In his previous start on the 18th against Orix Buffaloes (at Mizuho PayPay Dome), Uwasawa had pitch a no runs hit one out in the ninth inning, but on this day he gave up five runs by the fourth inning. The offense was unable to break through the relief pitchers, including Yagi, who came in midway through the first inning due to an accident involving Lotte's starting pitcher Taneichi, and Takano Shu.

After suffering their first four consecutive opening-game losses in three years, since 2023, manager Kokubo promised, "I'll think of something to do." He continued, "This can't go on like this. We'll just keep sliding downhill," indicating his need for someone to change the momentum.