The 17th game between the Saitama Seibu Lions and Hokkaido Nippon-Ham will be held at Belluna Dome on July 23rd at 6 PM.

[Head-to-head record] Saitama Seibu Lions (2nd place) vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham (3rd place): 9 wins, 7 losses

[Announced Starting Pitcher]
Saitama Seibu Lions: pitcher Chihiro Sumida 14 games, 7 wins, 5 losses, ERA 2.27
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham: pitcher Koki Kitayama 15 games, 8 wins, 3 losses, ERA 2.15

The starting pitcher for the Saitama Seibu Lions is Chihiro Sumida. In his previous start on the 12th against Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, he delivered a brilliant performance, pitching 7 innings, allowing only 4 hit, no Hit by Pitch and no runs. This will be his first start in a while, but will he be able to shut down the opposing lineup again? On the offensive side, Kazunari Ishii had two hit the previous day and has a batting average of .318 with 7 At Bat in 22 at hit in the last 6 games. We can expect him to shine against his former team tonight as well.

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham 's starting pitcher, Koki Kitayama, is aiming for his ninth win, tying his personal best. He had a great June, going 4-0 with two complete game games and a 0.91 ERA, but has yet to win in July. He has faced the Saitama Seibu Lions twice this season, pitching well and allowing only three runs in 11 inning. Can he finally secure his first win in three starts against this opponent, against whom he has a good record, having gone undefeated for five consecutive years since his rookie year?

Written by Kai Nagi Niwa