◆ Pacific League: Lotte 10-2 Rakuten Eagles (22nd, ZOZO Marine Stadium)

Lotte dominated Rakuten Eagles both offensively and defensively, securing a decisive victory in the first game of the series and ending their three-game losing streak. This marks their fifth consecutive win Rakuten Eagles since manager Yoshii, who led the team until last season, took over.

They attacked Rakuten Eagles 's starting pitcher Hayakawa from the start. In the first inning, they scored two runs thanks to a timely doble by Yasuda, who was batting fourth for the first time this season. They also had some effective Home Run, including Soto's 11th home run of the season (a three-run homer) in the second inning, Sato's 11th home run (a solo homer) in the third inning, and Yamaguchi's 15th home run (a solo homer) in the sixth inning.

Buoyed by a large offensive outburst early in the game, starting pitcher Kojima delivered a strong performance. He complete game, allowing only two runs, and earned his third win of the season, his first since the game against Yakult Swallows on June 4th (at Jingu Stadium). This was the team's first complete game of the season.