◆ Pacific League: Lotte 8-6 Orix Buffaloes (October 10th, ZOZO Marine Stadium)

Lotte Marines pitcher Naoya Masuda (36) recorded his first save of the season, putting him one win away from becoming only the fifth player in history to reach 250 career saves, a requirement for induction into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.

In the ninth inning, with a four-run lead, closer Yokoyama came in but struggled and runs two. With one out and a runner on first down to two runs, manager Saburo entrusted mound to manager Saburo, who said, "After Yokoyama, I didn't think of anyone but Masuda."

"I wasn't prepared at all," he said, but he quickly got himself in shape both physically and mentally before facing Orix Buffaloes hitter. He got Moritomo to hit a foul fly ball for the second out, but then walked Ota, Walk on first and second. The next batter, Kurebayashi, hit a deep fly ball to right field, which lost momentum near wall, and Fujiwara catch. They held onto their two-run lead and held on for the win.

"It was a bit hectic, but I made it in time. It's my job. I never thought it would happen (to pitch), but I was inspired. I felt very motivated," he said, expressing his gratitude to manager Saburo. "When the time comes, I want to closer well and end the game on a high note," he added, looking ahead to achieving 250 saves.