◆ Pacific League Softbank Hawks 6-5 Lotte (August 8, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Softbank Hawks Hawks outfielder Kensuke Kondo hit home run in tears. With the score tied 0-0 in the third inning with two outs and a runner on first, he hit a go-ahead two-run homer to right field, his eighth of the season. He clasped his hands together at home plate, and his eyes were red when he returned to the dugout. Speaking to reporters after the game, Kondo explained, "My older brother passed away the day before yesterday..." "There's a seven-year age difference between us, but we often played catch. My brother loved baseball, and I came to the stadium because I wanted him to play in the game. I think he might have been watching me since I got the hit," he said, struggling to find the words.

The team secured their first walk-off win of the season, maintaining a 3.5-game lead over the league-leading Orix Buffaloes.