◆ Pacific League: Softbank Hawks vs. Lotte (3rd, Mizuho PayPay)

Lotte's left-handed pitcher, Sam Long (30), will start in the game against Softbank Hawks on the 4th (at Mizuho PayPay Stadium) hoping to get his first win since coming to Japan.

He has appeared in 18 games this season (5 of which were starts), with a record of 0 wins, 2 losses, 7 hold, and ERA 3.98. His last two appearances have been starts in the minor leagues. The left-handed pitcher, who was adjusting at the stadium before the game on the 3rd, said, "I've been able to throw a good number of pitches even in the minor leagues. Tomorrow, I'll just do my best to do my job."

Facing the powerful young Hawks lineup, he quietly expressed his fighting spirit, saying, "They are the league's number one team, so they are a very formidable opponent. It will be a tough pitch. I will do my best to contribute to the team's win."