◆パ・リーグ　ソフトバンク２―５楽天（１４日・みずほペイペイドーム）

Rakuten Eagles scored 4 runs in the first inning, held onto the lead, and fought for the win. In his 103rd game, Pacific League reached 40 wins, the slowest ever. Starter Masaru Fujii pitcher pitched 5 2/3 innings, pitching 5 hit 2 runs (1 earned), earning his second win since May 24 against Lotte (Rakuten Eagles Mobile Strongest Park).

Manager Yoshihito Yoshii praised YG Yasuda, who hit his fourth home run of the season, a three-run shot, in the first inning, saying jokingly, "I think it was probably just luck (laughs). His timing was off, but he managed to get the bat out there nicely. I think it was good." He added, "Ideally, I'd like him to play catcher, but if he can also play designated hitter and first base, it will broaden the team's offensive options, so I'd really like to keep him as catcher," indicating that using him at first base will also be one of the plans going forward.

Regarding Fujii, who earned his second win, the manager gave a somewhat harsh assessment. "After we scored four runs in the first inning, he walked the leadoff Walk (in the subsequent defense), so we can see some lapses like that. I think he's probably not yet able to throw exactly where he wants. I'd like him to work on that a bit more. So, I think I'll send him back to the minor leagues for another round," he said, reviewing the game and ordering him to be sent back to the minors for further adjustment.

Following Fujii, Kajiya, Kutani, Tai, and Fujihira pitched a runs relay. The manager didn't forget to praise the relief pitchers' efforts, saying, "Please write that our relievers did a great job."