◆ Pacific League: Softbank Hawks vs. Orix Buffaloes (25th, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Softbank Hawks took the lead in the sixth inning by scoring three runs.

In the top of the 6th inning, with the score tied at 2–2, lead-off batter Dai Makihara reached on an error, and Yanagita got on base via a Walk. With runners on first and second, Imamiya hit a sacrifice bunt, creating a scoring opportunity with one out and runners on second and third.

With two outs, Shoji hit a two-run single to center field, giving his team the lead. Masaki followed with an RBI single to left field, bringing the score to three runs in the inning.

In the sixth inning defense, with one out bases loaded, the third-round draft pick Gota Suzuki (Osaka University of Commerce), who had come in as the relief pitcher mound, got Wakatsuki to ground out to second double play on the very first pitch, escaping the jam. He earned the right to his first professional save win.

Shoji said with excitement, "I was just determined to make the most of the opportunity my seniors had created. Gota (Suzuki) got us out of bases loaded jam, and I knew that we had a chance to win our first win if we took the lead, so I'm glad I was able to hit a timely RBI to give us the lead." Masaki savored the moment, saying, "Shoji's go-ahead RBI gave us good momentum, and I was able to swing with all my might. I didn't hit it perfectly, but I think the fact that I was able to swing through properly resulted in a timely hit. I'm glad we were able to score a big additional run."