◆ Pacific League Seibu Lions 4-2 Rakuten Eagles (8th and Belluna Dome)

Seibu Lions 's second-round draft pick and closer, pitcher Hakua Iwaki (Chuo University), reached 10 saves in his 13th appearance. When informed that this makes him the second fastest rookie in NPB history to reach this milestone, after Osei of The Giants in 2022 (11 games), and the fastest rookie in Pacific League, he laughed and said, "I didn't know! I'm not bothered by it," but then his expression softened as he added, "I'm incredibly happy."

He took mound in the ninth inning with a two-run lead and easily handled the strong batting order starting with the third batter, pitching a runs. When asked about his aspirations to become the saves leader on the victory platform, he replied with determination, "I'll do my best."

As the team's closer, he will be pitching in situations where defeat is absolutely not an option. "I'm given the opportunity to pitch when the team's victory is on the line, and in very important, close games. I've been entrusted with the role of securing the win, so regardless of whether it's my first year or not, I want to give it my all," he said emphatically.

Iwaki joined Seibu Lions in 2013 as the second overall pick in the draft, after graduating from Toyama Commercial High School and Chuo University. This season, despite being his first year, he served as the team's closer and earned his first professional save in his debut appearance on March 31 against Orix Buffaloes (at Belluna Dome). His first professional save was a remarkable achievement, making him only the seventh player in NPB history to do so.