◆ Pacific League: Orix Buffaloes vs. Rakuten Eagles (3rd, Tokyo Dome)

Rakuten Eagles offense exploded from the very first inning.

In the first inning, with no outs and runners on first and second base, Tatsumi hit a timely single to right field to score the first run. With runners still on first and second base and no outs, McCusker appeared to stop his swing, but first base umpire Akimura ruled it a swing. McCusker made a gesture that seemed to object to the call and was ejected for insulting the referee.

In the midst of a chaotic and unusual atmosphere in the stadium, Asamura hit a three-run homer to left-center field with two outs and runners on first and second base. They took a four-run lead in the first inning.

In the second inning, immediately after giving up a run, Muneyama hit a solo home run to extend their lead. Then Nakajima hit another solo home run to right field. Two consecutive home runs widened their lead.