◆ Pacific League Rakuten Eagles 0-5 Lotte (August 1st, Koriyama)

Lotte won their second straight game against Rakuten Eagles, bringing their lead to a season-high two games above .500. They have now won all four games against Rakuten Eagles under former manager Yoshii.

The batting hero was Sato, who was born in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, and is a graduate of Seikogakuin High School. Playing as the cleanup hitter and catcher, he made his first appearance in a game in Fukushima Prefecture since turning pro. In the third inning with two outs and a runner on first base, he hit a go-ahead two-run homer to right field, his 10th of the season and his second in as many games, marking a triumphant return home run. The offense added three more runs in the sixth inning with timely doble by Terachi and timely hits by Tomosugi.

On the pitching side, starting pitcher Kawamura earned his first win of the season. He threw 113 pitches over 7 innings, allowing only 6 hit no runs. He had a shaky start, but gradually his control improved, closer Rakuten Eagles lineup in check, and the relief pitchers also held their ground.