The fifth game between Fukuoka Softbank and Chiba Lotte Marines will be held at MIZUHO PayPay Dome on May 8th at 6 PM.

[Head-to-head record] Fukuoka Softbank (2nd place) vs. Chiba Lotte Marines (6th place): 2 wins, 2 losses

[Announced Starting Pitcher]
Fukuoka Softbank: Naoyuki Uwasawa pitcher 6 games, 3 wins, 1 loss, 1.96 ERA (4th place)
Chiba Lotte Marines: Koshiro Hiroike pitcher 5 games, 0 wins, 1 loss, ERA 3.27

Fukuoka Softbank 's starting pitcher Naoyuki Uwasawa. In their previous encounter with Chiba Lotte Marines (April 25th), he gave up two consecutive Home Run to Toshiya Sato, and allowed 6 hit 5 runs in 6 innings, suffering his first loss of the season. In the batting lineup, keep an eye on Yudai Shoji. He has been in the starting starting line-up for the last two games and has performed well with 3 At Bat and 2 hit 5 at Walk.

Chiba Lotte Marines 's starting pitcher Koshiro Hiroike. In his game against Saitama Seibu Lions on the 1st, pitched in strong winds, he was the lose pitcher, giving up 9 hit, no Hit by Pitch or strike out 5, and allowing 4 runs in 4 innings. This will be his fourth game as a starter; will he be able to pitch well and earn his first win as a starter? The offense has managed only 18 hit 1 run in their last 3 games and is currently on a three-game losing streak. We hope they can bounce back.