◆ Pacific League Seibu Lions 6-1 Rakuten Eagles (July 7, Naha)

Seibu Lions ・ Kaima Taira pitcher took the win. In the 5th inning, 4 hit 0 runs, he earned his 6th victory. In his 38th game in Okinawa since the tournament’s inception in 1961, regular season, he achieved his long-cherished goal of becoming the first Okinawa native pitcher to win a game win held in Okinawa. “The team won, and I think things went well overall, so I’m happy,” he said with a shy smile.

As a starter, he made his second return appearance in three years and showed tenacious pitching. He pitched five innings with two outs and bases loaded. He struck Muneyama at 137 km/h splitter and swung struck out, then made a small leap. All three batters retired in order through the third inning. In the fourth inning, two consecutive Walk batters left with two outs and runners on first and second, but he retired Murabayashi struck out swinging and said, "I was able to create a game and get a solid struck out, so I think that was good."

The team's losing streak, which included a draw, was stopped at six games. Manager Nishiguchi praised his right-hander, saying, "He did his job properly."