On July 14th at 13:00, a 12-round match between Hokkaido Nippon-Ham and Fukuoka Softbank will be held on ES CON FIELD.

[Head-to-head Record] Hokkaido Nippon-Ham (3rd place) vs. Fukuoka Softbank (1st place) 1 win, 10 losses

[Announced Starting Lineup]
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham: Koki Kitayama pitcher 14 games, 8 wins, 3 losses, ERA 2.22
Fukuoka Softbank: Naoyuki Uwasawa pitcher 11 games, 5 wins, 3 losses, ERA 2.58

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham, who have struggled since the start with a 1-10 record against Fukuoka Softbank, are currently leading the league with a .320 batting​ average. Will a decisive hit hit in a direct showdown that cannot be lost will strike to the top? Starting pitcher Koki Kitayama pitcher struggled in their previous matchup on May 24, going 6-runs in 4 innings. This time, they will be looking to get revenge.

Meanwhile, Naoyuki Uwasawa pitcher is on a two-game winning streak. In the last two games, he has averaged over 8 strike out in six innings, scoring struck out. His Avg this season is .225, but against right-handed hitter, he is closer at Avg.169. Can he stay alert for a single home run and shut down the good hitter on right to extend his winning streak? In the offense, Kensuke Kondo players have posted overwhelming numbers with a .350 batting average against the opponent and a .519 on-base percentage.

Text by Minagi Niwa