The 16th game between the Saitama Seibu Lions and Fukuoka Softbank will be held at Belluna Dome on July 25th at 6 PM.

[Head-to-head record] Saitama Seibu Lions (2nd place) vs. Fukuoka Softbank (1st place): 8 wins, 7 losses

[Announced Starting Pitcher]
Saitama Seibu Lions: Natsuki Takeuchi pitcher 14 games, 6 wins, 5 losses, ERA 2.71
Fukuoka Softbank: Ryosuke Otsu pitcher 14 games, 9 wins, 2 losses, 2.08 ERA

The starting pitchers will pitcher Natsuki Takeuchi pitcher Ryosuke Otsu. pitcher has been somewhat unlucky with run support, resulting in a 2-3 record since June, but he has been performing consistently with 8 consecutive quality starts. On the other hand, pitcher has a good record against the Saitama Seibu Lions, with ERA of 0.86 and 3 wins in 3 games. It will be interesting to see how they pitch against a lineup that can hit home runs.

In the previous day's game, Saitama Seibu Lions 's pitcher Nevin and outfielder An-Ko Lin, and Fukuoka Softbank 's Ryoya Kurihara and Kensuke Kondo, hit a total of four Home Run. Nevin and Kondo, in particular, are in good form, having Home Run in three consecutive games. Kurihara has also reached 30 home runs this season, the fastest among all 12 teams.

Written by Kai Nagi Niwa