◆ Pacific League Rakuten Eagles 8-4 Seibu Lions (23rd, Yamagata City)

Rakuten Eagles came from behind to win, securing their second consecutive victory. This marks the first consecutive wins since new manager Yoshii took over.

The batting lineup clicked. It was the third inning, and we were trailing by two runs. With one out and runners on first and second (bases loaded), McCusker hit a two-run single to center field, tying the game. Then, with two outs and runners on first and second, Murabayashi hit a two-run home run over the left-field fence (doble). We scored four runs in the inning to take the lead.

The offense, now in full swing, showed no signs of stopping. In the fifth inning, McCusker hit a solo home run and added more runs. Then, in the sixth inning, they scored three more runs thanks to two bases-loaded Walk and a balk.

On the pitching side, starting pitcher Takinaka delivered a strong performance, allowing only two runs in six innings. He fulfilled his role as the starter. The relief pitchers also held onto the lead.