◆ Pacific League vs. Softbank Hawks = Cancelled due to rain = (26th, ZOZO Marine Stadium)

Softbank Hawks 's game against Lotte was canceled due to rain, meaning Ryosuke Otsu, who was scheduled to start, will now start the same game on the 27th. He has recorded a team-leading seven wins so far. The pitcher who managed to secure a spot in the opening day rotation has now grown into an ace who is entrusted with the opening start of each series. "Until last year, (a shift) would have been unthinkable, but I want to pitch in a way that lives up to expectations," the fourth-year right-hander said with enthusiasm. Takehiro Tomiyasu, a defender for the Japanese national soccer team, was his classmate at Kyushu Sangyo University Kyushu High School. Although they are not close friends, he is inspired by Tomiyasu's performance in the World Cup.

"Otsu's appearance will be postponed until tomorrow," said manager Kokubo. He indicated that if two consecutive games are canceled, he will skip his pitching appearance in this series.