The 13th game between Fukuoka Softbank and Saitama Seibu Lions will be held at MIZUHO PayPay Dome starting at 6 PM on July 1st.

[Head-to-head record] Fukuoka Softbank (1st place) vs. Saitama Seibu Lions (2nd place): 4 wins, 8 losses, 0 draws

[Announced Starting Pitcher]
Fukuoka Softbank: pitcher Yugo Maeda 7 games, 5 wins, 0 losses, ERA 2.19
Saitama Seibu Lions: pitcher Wynans has a record of 2 wins and 2 losses in 6 games, ERA of 3.12.

Fukuoka Softbank, who have risen to the top of the standings for the first time since April, will start third-year pitcher Yugo Maeda. This will be his first professional matchup against Saitama Seibu Lions, but in his previous start (June 21st against Hokkaido Nippon-Ham), he pitched 7 innings, hit 99 pitches, allowing only 5 hits, no Hit by Pitch or hit batsmen, striking out 6, strike out giving up no runs, securing his fifth consecutive win and showing he is in good form. Can he lead his team to win with a strong pitching performance in the second game of the battle for first place?

On the opposing side, the Saitama Seibu Lions Lions will be keeping an eye on Natsuo Takizawa. He has a good record against Fukuoka Softbank Hawks this season, with 11 hit in 30 At Bat-bats for a batting average of .367. In the previous game, Takizawa was responsible for two of the team's four hit, so there are high expectations for his performance in this game as well. Also, on June 30th, pitcher Ryosuke Moriwaki was registered as a regular player for the first time in three years. With the relief pitchers showing signs of fatigue, his joining the first team would be a significant boost to their strength.

Written by Ryo Aritake