◆ Pacific League Seibu Lions 7-0 Lotte (14th, Belluna Dome)

In an unexpected "bullpen day," the relief pitchers delivered shutout game relay. The star of the show was sixth-year right-pitcher Taishi Mameda (23), who made his professional debut as a starter on short notice, pitching three runs innings with only two hit allowed and five strike out, earning him a spot on the home field's victory podium. Although he didn't get the win, loss, or save, he said, "The team won, so I don't really care. The other pitcher were also called in on short notice. It was great that everyone closer the opponents scoreless and we were able to win," expressing his satisfaction with shutout game win involving a club-record seven pitcher.

Hikaru Takahashi, who had been announced as the announced starting pitcher, withdrew due to back stiffness, and a major role was entrusted to him. He was told during pre-game practice. On the 13th, in the game against Nippon-Ham (ESCON), he pitched the final pitcher in the 9th inning, throwing 19 pitches in one inning and going blank from runs, going straight for 0 days of innings. Of course, he never imagined starting the next day without a notice, but after the game, he stayed indoors, had dinner at his dorm, and "quietly went straight to bed." He didn't have the luxury to tell his family or acquaintances that he would be making his first professional start, but he put the power built up in his 173 cm tall and 88 kg body from the very first inning. In the third inning, with one out and runners on first and second, he escaped by getting struck out off Fujiwara and Nishikawa.

The runs earned by Ishii's go-ahead solo run in the second inning were defended by Iwaki, Hayato Sato, Moriwaki, Shinohara, Matsumoto, and Kuroki, each with no runs and win pitcher from the fourth inning onward. Manager Nishiguchi, who win without using Wingenter and Kaino, said, "It was Mameda who could throw multiple inning. Mameda came up with a good start. It's all thanks to Mameda," repeatedly mentioning Mameda's name and praising him. Although they are 7.5 games behind the leader Softbank Hawks, they earned a valuable win. (Shunsuke Ami)