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

This season, Lotte outfielder Katsuya Kakunaka (39), in his 20th professional season, has been promoted to the first team for the first time in about a year since being removed from the active roster on July 18th of last year.

This season in the minor leagues, he has appeared in 48 games, batting .272 with 3 Home Run and 15 RBI. Although he did not play in the game that day, he made a solid hit during batting practice before the game and showed agile movements while defense left field.

Manager Saburo commented on how he would use him, saying, "He's a pinch hitter for crucial situations. He was in good form when I went to see him (in the minor leagues). We haven't called him up even once this year, so that's why I'm giving him a chance." He expressed his expectations for his hitting ability in critical moments.