◆ Pacific League Nippon-Ham 8-2 Seibu Lions (13th, ES CON FIELD)

Nippon-Ham scored runs effectively, ending their two-game losing streak and closing the gap to zero games behind second-place Seibu Lions.

In the first inning, with two outs and runners on first and third, runner on first base stopped between first and second, and runner scored on third during the throw of second, scoring the opening blow with a "double steal." Then, with two outs and a runner on second, Gunji, wearing the starting line-up mask for the first time this season, hit his fifth two-run homer over right field to give the team a three-run lead.

In the fifth inning, consecutive hits by Narama and Isohata loaded the bases with one bases loaded, followed by sacrifice fly by Mizuno, an RBI infield hit by Reyes, doble the left field line by Castro, and an RBI single to left field by Yoshida, resulting in a five-run outburst that saw hitter come around to bat.

Starting pitcher Yamazaki gave up one run each in the second and fifth innings due to consecutive hits, but earned his fifth win of the season with 6 hit 2 runs allowed over 5 innings. This was his sixth start since returning to the starting rotation in June, and he remains undefeated with 5 consecutive wins. catcher Gunji's excellent defense was also noteworthy, including his catch of Takizawa stealing second base in the fifth inning.