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

Softbank Hawks won a close game, extending their winning streak to six games, including a draw.

Starter Stewart showed a pitch by allowing runner from the first inning but not allowing any runs. Then, the lineup took the lead with one out and a runner on third in the third inning with Yanagimachi hitting a sacrifice fly to left. They took control.

Although they conceded two runs in the fourth inning, they tied the game in the very next inning with a timely doble by Yanagida with one out and a runner on first. With one out and a runner still on second, Kawase hit a timely triple to center field, giving them the lead.

Stewart held on for 6 2/3 innings, allowing only two runs, and then Tsumori, Osuna, Matsumoto Yu, and Sugiyama closed out the innings without allowing any runs.

On the morning of that day, Akira Nakamura announced his retirement at the end of this season. After the press conference held at Mizuho PayPay Stadium, Yanagida, Higashihama, Imamiya and others presented him with bouquets of flowers, while Kawase handed him a single sunflower, saying, "The flower language is passion and admiration." After the pre-game practice, he commented, "He taught me how to prepare and many other things." His ability to prepare and perform well in the game, his starting line-up start since the June 21st game against Nippon-Ham (at Escon Stadium), was evident. It was a game-winning hit dedicated to Akira Nakamura, who fought alongside him and whose attitude he had witnessed firsthand.