◆ Pacific League Softbank Hawks 2-6 Nippon-Ham (June 6, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Nippon-Ham win Softbank Hawks, securing their first win at Mizuho PayPay Dome, a venue where they had previously lost all seven games this season. They took the lead in the 8th inning with the bases bases loaded and one Hit by Pitch when Nomura was hit by a pitch, forcing in a run.

After the game, manager Shinjo said, "I don't feel even a millimeter of happiness. Every year we have a good fight, and this year we've lost so much, but even though I know it's important to move on, I can't, and no matter what I do, all I feel is frustration. I have trouble sleeping, and when I wake up I think about it again, and when we lose to Softbank Hawks, I'm just so frustrated. Maybe I'm trying too hard. I'm really stiff." Last season, they were almost even against Softbank Hawks with a 12-13 record, but this season they've had a tough time with a 3-14 record. This season was one in which they aimed to "defeat Kokubo Yuki," so his frustration is greater than anyone else's.

In the 8th inning with two outs and the bases loaded, Kamikawabata hit a three-run doble that sweep becoming the hero of the game. Regarding number 4, who was "punished" in May for lazy base running, the manager said, "Even when he's working hard and concentrating, he sometimes count or forgets to slide. Sometimes he gets so focused that he forgets, but it's a rule. It can lead to injuries, so we all decided from his first year that he should work on those things. He's reflected on that, and I think he's able to concentrate on every single ball now." He also mentioned Yoshida, who was "punished" in July for neglecting to slide into second base, and said, "I have a feeling that Yoshida will work hard with that mindset now, and when he comes back, he'll do great," expressing his hopes for a comeback in the remaining games.