◆ Pacific League Softbank Hawks 1-0 Nippon-Ham (April 4th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Nippon-Ham lost to league leaders Softbank Hawks, bringing their head-to-head record to 2 wins and 13 losses, already guaranteeing a losing record against them this season. The gap between them widened to 7.5 games, and their lead in the standings dropped to 12. They suffered the humiliation of losing all seven of their away games against Softbank Hawks on the 5th (at Mizuho PayPay Dome), their chances of winning the championship on their own will be eliminated.

Ace pitcher Ito pitched seven innings, throwing 98 pitches, with 8 hit and 1 runs, suffering his sixth loss. The run he allowed to Yu Yamamoto in the sixth inning—a right-sacrifice fly—proved to be the game-winning run, and he expressed his frustration over the loss, saying, “It was one of those games where if you give up one run, you lose.”His fastest pitch was clocked at 153 km/h, and he recorded 8 strike out. “I was in good form, and I came here (to Osaka) prepared to throw about 130 pitches, so I feel like I didn’t give it my all—it’s an indescribable feeling.I intended to pitch until the very end, so I feel a strong sense of unfulfillment.” He pitches the entire game on his own when entrusted with it. Number 17, known for his strong sense of responsibility, said, “I think there’s a reason I got hit by the same hitter, so I want to face that head-on.” Suppressing his frustration, he looked ahead to the next game.