◆ Pacific League: Orix Buffaloes vs. Rakuten Eagles (28th, Hotto Motto Kobe)

Rakuten Eagles Masaru Fujii pitcher started the game. Although he faced a crisis with two outs and runners on first and second in the first inning, he retired Moritomo with a swinging struck out, overcoming the 'runs gate' he had been for five consecutive games.

In the third inning, with one out and runners on first and second, he gave up a timely single to Nakagawa, but he managed to limit the damage to just one runs over five innings. In the very next inning, his teammates managed to take the lead, and he left the game with the opportunity to earn his second win. "I was able to go up runs hitter with all my heart and soul. I gave up a run, but I'm glad I was able to get through it with the fewest runs allowed. Now I'll just believe in win and cheer them on," he said with a look of relief.

In his last start on the 21st against the Lotte Marines (ZOZO), he was knocked out in the first inning: 3 runs. “I don’t think it’s that easy to get another chance,” he said."I’m truly grateful for this, and I’m determined to prove myself next time," he said, and true to his resolve, he hung in there on the brink of being demoted to the minor leagues if he gave up another hit.