◆パ・リーグ　ソフトバンク４―１楽天（１日・みずほペイペイドーム）

Softbank Hawks Hawks infielder Hotaka Yamakawa played as the seventh batter and first baseman, but went hit in four At Bat-bats. This extended his hitless hit to 30 consecutive at-bats, a new personal worst. After the game, manager Hiroki Kokubo spoke of his belief in his slugger's recovery.

He went hitless again today, but he did have some decent hits, such as a foul ball pulled to left field on the fourth pitch with two outs and a runner on second in the sixth inning. The manager expressed his unwavering confidence in him, saying, "His practice is not bad, so of course I'm continuing to use him in starting line-up, and he's a necessary asset if we want to win the championship," explaining that his condition is not bad. That's why he added, "I have a feeling he'll get one soon," expressing his hope that he'll get a hit soon, in whatever form it may take.

"Both Coach Hasegawa and I agree that he's not changing his batting style every day, but sticking to what he's trying to do. There were a few swings today that were just a hair's breadth away from being good. He just needs to step up," said Manager Kokubo. The team and the fans are waiting to hear that satisfying sound.