◆ Pacific League Softbank Hawks 3-5 Rakuten Eagles (October 10th, Mizuho PayPay Stadium)

Rakuten Eagles came from behind to defeat Softbank Hawks, securing their second consecutive win.

The game saw the momentum shift from the very beginning. In the first inning, Rakuten Eagles 's starting pitcher Hayakawa gave up a run, but in the second inning, McCusker hit a solo home run to tie the game. Then, in the fourth inning, McCusker hit his second home run in a row, a solo home run to take the lead.

However, in the very next inning, the 4th, Hayakawa walked Walk with two outs, which led to Shuto hitting a two-run single to left field, giving the opposing team the lead.

Trailing by one run in the sixth inning, they changed the game again. With one out, Tatsumi hit a solo home run to left-center field to tie the game, bringing the score back to even. Then, in the eighth inning with one out and a runner on first, McCusker hit his 10th home run of the season, a two-run shot to right-center field. His third home run of the day gave them the lead.

Rakuten secured the win with a powerful offensive surge, extending their winning streak to two games. Rakuten Eagles manager Yoshii said with excitement, "McCasker hit three home runs. I'm not sure about the offensive aspect, but we won thanks to McCusker. Our young relievers did a great job in the second half, so that was good too."

Starting pitcher Hayakawa struggled with his control but hung in there, pitching six innings with 6 hit 4 walks Hit by Pitch, and 3 runs. Even so, the manager was harsh in his assessment of the left-hander. “Did he manage the game? Well, yes, but both Shoji and Hayakawa gave up walk with two outs and runs.“In situations like that, the momentum is on our side, so it’s the starter’s job to hold on tight and keep pushing forward. If he pitches like that, he simply can’t be the team’s ace—it’s not good enough,” he said, calling for improvement.