Nippon-Ham Fighters pitcher Kota Tatsu expressed confidence on the 21st in his ability to defeat a formidable opponent. The right-hander, who will start against Softbank Hawks on the 22nd (at Mizuho PayPay Dome), made his final adjustments at Escon. While showing strong caution regarding the opposing lineup, he said with determination, "I think I have the weapons closer as long as I don't make any pitching mistakes, so I want to pitch well." This game will be manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo's 300th career win, making him the seventh manager in the team's history to achieve this milestone. Tatsu will end his own losing streak and give his manager a victory to mark the occasion.

This season, the team has lost all five games against Softbank Hawks. They still haven't secured a win, but he says, "I don't think it's good to be too conscious of it. It inevitably leads to negative thoughts. As a team, we all agree that it's not good to overthink it." He himself is on a three-game losing streak, but he has recorded quality starts (QS, 6 innings or more with 3 or fewer earned runs) in his last five games, and he takes mound with a calm mind.

Manager Shinjo has led the team in 613 games (excluding the 5 games entrusted to acting manager) as of the 20th, with a record of 299 wins, 299 losses, and 15 ties. This game in his hometown of Fukuoka will be a milestone game, win or lose. He will be aiming to end his own losing streak against Softbank Hawks and give himself a milestone with a win rather than a loss.

▽ Nippon-Ham 's total win as manager

<1> Hideki Kuriyama 684 wins

<2> Keiji Osawa 631 wins

<3> Shigeru Mizuhara 526 wins

<4> Hillman 349 wins

<5> Toshiharu Ueda 310 wins

<6> Masataka Nashida 301 wins

<7> Tsuyoshi Shinjo 299 wins