◆ Pacific League: Softbank Hawks vs. Rakuten Eagles (December 12th, Mizuho PayPay)

Rakuten Eagles 's pitcher, Tatsuki Koja, started the game against Softbank Hawks but was pulled after 6 innings, having given up 6 hit 3 runs.

After recovering from discomfort in his upper body, he returned mound for the first time in about three weeks. In the first inning, with one out and runners on first and third, he gave up a timely single to left field to Kurihara, conceding the first run.

In the third inning, with one out and a runner on first base, Kurihara hit a two-run homer to right field, extending the lead.

He then pitched tenaciously, strike out in six inning. He controlled the game, but it wasn't his first win in about two months.