◆ Pacific League vs. Softbank Hawks = Cancelled due to rain = (27th, ZOZO Marine Stadium)

Softbank Hawks ・ It was confirmed on the 27th that Yugo Maeda and pitcher will be called up for the three-game series starting on the 30th—Seibu Lions—a battle for first place (Tokyo Dome, Mizuho PayPay Stadium).That day’s game against the Lotte Marines (ZOZO) was canceled for the second consecutive day due to an approaching typhoon, prompting Manager Kokubo to state, “We will reorganize the rotation.”Against the league-leading Seibu Lions, Uezawa is expected to start the first game, while Otsu—the team’s leading winner with seven victories—is expected to start the third game. Yu Maeda is likely to start the second game after a full nine days of rest.

The left-handed pitcher, who joined the team from Osaka Toin High School as the first overall pick in the 2023 draft, has had a breakout season in his third year as a professional. He has recorded an undefeated five-game winning streak so far. The manager praised him, saying, "His ranking (among the starting pitchers) has definitely risen. His record speaks for itself." He is the second-highest number of wins on the team.

This will be Yu Maeda's first professional appearance against Seibu Lions Lions. He worked up a sweat at the ZOZO Marine Stadium's indoor practice facility that day. Looking ahead to the next game, he said in a calm tone, "No matter who the opponent is, I'll just do what I have to do. I'll just focus on making the game a success and pitch well. That's all." He's determined to live up to the expectations of the coaching staff with results.