◆ Pacific League Softbank Hawks 3-1 Seibu Lions (August 2nd, Mizuho PayPay Stadium)

In their third encounter this season, Seibu Lions failed to overcome opposing starter Otsu, suffering their third consecutive loss against the same opponent and their longest losing streak yet at five games. Starting pitcher Takeuchi, who pitched a tenacious six innings and allowed three runs, was left to fend for himself. The gap between them and league leaders Softbank Hawks widened to two games.

Hasegawa, who had played 68 games and fought hard with a .286 batting average, was sidelined due to a left hamate fracture, leading to a major reshuffle of the lineup. With neither team scoring in the second inning and one out, Kazunari Ishii infielder hit his fourth solo home run to take the lead, scoring for the first time in 28 inning. However, against Otsu, he was unable to do anything after that with 3 hit and 1 run.

Starter Natsuki Takeuchi pitcher pitched six innings with 7 strike out, 5 hit, 3 Walk, and 3 runs before being pulled. However, just like in his previous start on June 25 against Rakuten Eagles (Rakuten Eagles at Mobile’s Strongest Park Miyagi)—where he pitched eight innings with 2 runs and complete game—he was unable to secure the win due to a lack of run support from the lineup.In the fifth inning, with a one-run lead and one out (bases loaded), he gave up a two-run single to left field by Masaki, allowing the opposition to take the lead.