◆ Pacific League Softbank Hawks 6-0 Seibu Lions (30th, Tokyo Dome)

Softbank Hawks won the first game of their three-game series against Seibu Lions, putting them back in first place for the first time since April 21st and in sole possession of first place for the first time since April 18th. In the fourth inning, they scored four runs, including a two-run RBI single by Takashi Umino. In the seventh inning, Ryoya Kurihara hit his 21st home run of the season, tying his personal best and putting him at the top of the league.

On the pitching side, Naoyuki Uwasawa, in his second game back with the first team after recovering from a right elbow injury, pitched six runs innings to earn his fourth win of the season, his first since May 1st.

They were five wins above .500 at the end of May, but in June they were strong with a record of 14 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw. The home game at Tokyo Dome, which was attended by many Softbank Hawks Group employees, was held as the first annual "Hawks Festival" of the season, and the stands erupted in excitement after the resounding victory.