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

Lotte lost a close game to Softbank Hawks on the road, ending their two-game winning streak. Their lead in the standings is now one game.

Starting pitcher Koshichiro Hiroike pitched seven innings, allowing six hit and three runs (two earned), fulfilling his duties. He threw 112 pitches and strike out six, showing a spirited performance against the young Hawks, but it was his fourth loss of the season.

After being taken out of the game, he runner with regret, "I feel like I allowed the leadoff hitter to get on base in almost every inning. There were several times when I got ahead in count and had the advantage of pitcher, but I think I let them hit the ball easily, and that's what allowed runners to get on base and led to runs." He looked ahead, saying, "I think the game would have unfolded differently if I had a curveball or change-up I could throw when I had the advantage count."