◆ Pacific League: Softbank Hawks vs. Seibu Lions (30th, Tokyo Dome)

League leaders Seibu Lions will face second-placed Softbank Hawks, who are now just one game behind, in a crucial match at Tokyo Dome. A loss would mean losing their top spot.

outfielder An-Ko Lin has returned to the first team, playing as the "number 5 hitter and designated hitter." He said that he had been working hard on his timing in the minor leagues, saying, "I can't go into specifics, but I've been working on that quite a bit. I've also been getting at-bats and regaining my game sense. I want to do my best to produce results and be a valuable asset to the team."

Also, on the 26th, in the game against Nippon-Ham (Belluna D), Shinya Hasegawa outfielder, who had been sidelined after being hit twice by home-balls on the back of his left foot, returned to action as the third batter and left fielder.

The starting pitcher will be Kaima Taira, who will be paired with catcher Taiga Kojima.

Seibu Lions' starting line-up is as follows:

1 (Right) Canario

2 (Shortstop) Takizawa

3 (left) Hasegawa

4. Nevin

5 (DH) An-Ko Lin

6 (Captive) Kojima

7 (2) Ishii

8 (3) Watanabe

9 (Center) Nishikawa

Starting pitcher: Kaima Taira