◆ Pacific League Nippon-Ham 4-3 Rakuten Eagles (25th, ES CON FIELD)

Rakuten Eagles 's relief pitchers faltered in the late innings, resulting in walk-off loss.

Starting pitcher Shoji pitched a strong game, allowing only two runs in seven innings, but in the eighth inning, with a one-run lead, Marte, making his debut, runs one run. Then, in the ninth inning, Tai gave up walk-off hit to Narama.

Tai, who has shown signs of a breakout season, Walk the leadoff hitter with a curveball on a 3-1 count. He then threw only breaking balls to Narama, who hit breaking ball. Manager Yoshii, who values the young left-hander's fastball as his greatest asset, raised his questions. "Even in the situation where he Walk him, it was a curveball and it was a ball, but the question is, what is the pitch he can throw with the most confidence given his current abilities? We're throwing his fastball because it's good for us, but in the end, when he got hit, it was breaking ball after breaking ball after breaking ball," he pointed out.

The manager wanted him to showcase his strengths, especially in tough situations. "He should be able to throw his best pitches in those situations. Once he becomes more consistent, that kind of pitching (primarily breaking ball) is an option, but the probability of Tai being able to pitch like that right now is low. I want him to think carefully about that and focus on what he can do right now."

There are high expectations for the left-handed pitcher, who is becoming an integral part of the team's winning pattern. The manager said, "I think it was a good learning experience for him," expressing his hope that he will use it as a stepping stone to grow.