◆ Pacific League Rakuten Eagles 3-1 Nippon-Ham (April 4th, Rakuten Eagles Mobile is the strongest)

Nippon-Ham suffered a late-game comeback loss, putting them three games below .500. They have now dropped to fifth place, overtaking Rakuten Eagles.

Starting pitcher Fukushima found himself in a jam in the 7th inning with runners on second and third base with one out, immediately after his team had taken a 1-0 lead. However, he then struck struck out two consecutive batters in three pitches each with six straight fastball. Finally, he overcame the pinch with his fastest pitch of the day, 155 km/h, striking out the last batter struck out.

However, in the eighth inning, he continued pitching and gave up a game-tying solo home run to Taira, who scooped up fork. Then, with one out, he gave up another solo home run to Tatsumi, who hit a third home run over left field, putting the opposing team behind.

Manager Shinjo calmly reflected, "Taira's pitch was carried by the wind. Or maybe I made him carry it. He hit it well. Fukushima's last pitch in the 7th inning had the same power as his first inning pitch, and it had a lot of bite. He had rested for more than 10 days, and reliever pitcher were tired from playing consecutive games, so I decided to go with Fukushima there. I wanted him to get the out there closer grow from that. The pitch was good, but Tatsumi hit it well, but that was Fukushima's chance."

Fukushima expressed his frustration, saying, "Physically I felt I could have done it, so it was a pitching mistake. If I hadn't closer them here, there would have been no way I could have complete game, and if they had given me the chance, closer." Manager Shinjo said regarding the future, "We'll keep him. He pitched that well. He's throwing some good pitches," expressing his expectations for his next appearance.