◆ Pacific League: Softbank Hawks vs. Lotte (5th, Mizuho PayPay)

Softbank Hawks 's starting pitcher, Haru Matsumoto, pitched a tenacious game, allowing only four hit two runs over five innings. He left mound with the opportunity to earn his fifth win of the season, his first since the game Hanshin Tigers on June 10th (at Mizuho PayPay Dome).

He got off to a great start, striking out two batters—struck out—in the very first inning. Then, in the very next at-bat, with no outs and runners on first and second, Kondo hit a three-run homer, providing him with some run support.In the second inning, he allowed a “runner” but ultimately retired the side in order. However, in the third inning, with one out and runners on second and third, Fujiwara hit a two-run “doble” to right-center field, narrowing the lead to one run. In the fifth inning, he faced Fujiwara again with one out and runners on first and second, but escaped the jam when Fujiwara grounded out to third base (“ double play”), resulting in a “closer.”

He held onto a one-run lead and was taken out after throwing 92 pitches. In the fifth inning, Kondo hit his second three-run homer of the day, putting the lead at four. "Thanks to Kondo-san's home run, we gave him a three-run lead, and I pitched while trying to protect the lead. I ended up two runs, but I'm glad I was able to hold onto the lead. I'll keep cheering for them to win today's game," he commented. Tsumori came in from the sixth inning.