On July 2nd at 18:00, the 14th round match between Fukuoka Softbank and Saitama Seibu Lions will be held on MIZUHO PayPay Dome.

[Head-to-head Record] Fukuoka Softbank (1st) vs. Saitama Seibu Lions (2nd) 5 wins, 8 losses

[Announced Starting Lineup]
Fukuoka Softbank: Ryosuke Otsu pitcher 11 games, 7 wins, 2 losses, ERA 1.77
Saitama Seibu Lions: Natsuki Takeuchi pitcher 11 games, 5 wins, 3 losses, ERA 2.62

Fukuoka Softbank starts Ryosuke Otsu pitcher. So far this season, he has pitched in 11 games, with a ERA of 1.77 and a 7-2 record, leading the team to win. In his previous appearance on June 19 against Hokkaido Nippon-Ham, he struggled with 7 innings and 4 runs, but after a 12-day break, he will face Saitama Seibu Lions, who have won 2 of 2 games this season. This time, they want to pitch well and aim for a 3-game winning streak.

Saitama Seibu Lions, who are on a four-game losing streak and want to break the bad trend, started Natsuki Takeuchi pitcher. In the previous game against Tohoku Rakuten Eagles, they complete game lose pitcher but runs in the eighth inning. This is their first appearance this season in their hometown Fukuoka. The lineup has struggled with fewer than two runs per game during this losing streak. This is the key point for holding on for their first championship in seven years.

Text by Minagi Niwa