◆ Pacific League Rakuten Eagles: Rakuten vs. Lotte (August 1st, Koriyama)

Rakuten Eagles is starting July with a comeback.

Currently, after 72 games, they have a record of 27 wins, 44 losses, and 1 tie, placing them in 6th place. They are 9 games behind 5th place Lotte.

In June, the team struggled in the interleague games, resulting in a disappointing 8 wins and 12 losses. On June 10th, former manager Miki announced he would be taking a leave of absence, after which head coach Shiokawa served as acting manager. Since the league season resumed on the 19th, manager Yoshii has been in charge.

Since Manager Yoshii took over, the team has a record of 4 wins and 4 losses. The batting lineup, which had been struggling, is showing signs of improvement. There are many positive signs, such as the return to action in the farm team from players like Muneyama, Nishiguchi, and Urena, who had been sidelined due to injury.

The team's first game in July will be against Lotte in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture. Manager Yoshii will be looking to gain momentum by securing a victory against his former team, where he managed until last season.