◆ Pacific League Rakuten Eagles Orix Buffaloes (15th, Rakuten Eagles Mobile Saikyo Park Miyagi)

Rakuten Eagles 's pitcher Kenta Maeda pitched well, allowing only 4 hit 2 runs over 7 innings.

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Although the historic victory was postponed, his pitch of spirit sparked win momentum. Ken Maeda did not lose to accidents. Starting pitcher mound was on the verge of reaching 100 career wins in NPB. In the tied fifth inning, the leadoff line drive of Kurita struck the neck directly. He temporarily went to the bench for treatment, and although there were concerns about his condition, he returned to the mound. "It's okay. He's strong. I was a bit concerned when I hit him, but in the next inning, I didn't worry about it." Despite the red swelling around his left neck, he kept swinging his arm and completed a 4-hit 2-runs 7-round move.

He left the game with the score tied, missing out on a memorable win. Nevertheless, his passionate pitching inspired fielder. In the eighth inning, with the score tied, Tatsumi got on base with triple, and McCusker hit a game-winning RBI single to left field. Manager Yoshii praised his pitching, saying, "He showed guts," and it greatly contributed to the team's second consecutive win. The right-hander was also pleased, saying, "Winning for the team is my job as starter."

In the highly anticipated showdown against his PL Gakuen junior, Nakagawa, hit 1-At Bat 3 at the plate. "He can hit it when it's in a sweet spot. As expected of a PL Gakuen player," he said with a laugh. He achieved a high-quality start (HQS = 7 innings or more with 2 or fewer earned runs) for the third consecutive game. The reliable number 18 once again left his mark on home ground with a spirited pitch.

(Kouta Miyauchi)