◆ Pacific League Softbank Hawks 6-1 Rakuten Eagles (16th, Mizuho PayPay Stadium)

Softbank Hawks secured win in four games, preventing a three-game losing streak against the same opponent. Two players from Yokohama High School played a key role.

First, Kondo delivered the go-ahead hit to right field with two outs and runners on first and second in the fifth inning, with the score tied at 0–0. With this, he reached 87 RBI—tying his career high set in 2023, the year he won the RBI title.“I’ve had a string of lackluster at-bats lately, so I stepped up to the plate determined to score the go-ahead run,” said the veteran player, and 23-year-old Shōji followed suit. With the score 1–0 in the sixth inning, one out, and runners on first and second, he hit a two-run triple. Kondo (2 hit 1 RBI) and Shōji (2 hit 3 RBI) both took their places on the podium.

Their alma mater defeated Kasumigaura 5-2 that day, securing their place in the summer quarterfinals for the second consecutive year. The two also thought of their juniors and presented them with metal and wooden bats and batting gloves. Shoji commented, "It makes me want to work even harder." Kondo also offered his support, saying, "We'll be cheering you on!"