◆ Pacific League Softbank Hawks 3-4 Lotte (13th, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Lotte, which had been on a five-game losing streak Haruya Tanaka pitcher, secured its second win in four and a half months—its first since March 28 against Seibu Lions (ZOZO)—thanks to a strong pitching performance by hit 8 strike out 2 runs over six innings.The offense took the lead in the second inning with a two-run homer by Kyuto Ueda infielder. In the sixth inning, they added to their lead with solo homers by Ryusei Ogawa infielder, among others, preventing a third straight loss in the series.

Manager Saburo smiled at the right-handed pitcher who earned his second win, saying, "I think he was able to clear all of the requests I made when he was sent down (to the minor leagues), as well as everything he worked on and the challenges he faced in the farm league."