On the 17th, Softbank Hawks assembled their "absolutely serious" rotation in their quest for a third consecutive Pacific League. Starting on the 18th, they will play a three-game series against Nippon-Ham (at Escon Stadium), a team they currently hold a 7.5-game lead over. In the first game, they are expected to field ace Moinelo, in his second game back since returning, followed by Uwasawa and Maeda Yu. With this solid lineup, they aim for three straight wins.

Opening day pitcher Uwasawa has faced his former team, Nippon-Ham, four times, winning two games ERA 1.44. Escon also has an excellent record against them, with one win in two games and ERA of 1.38. Maeda Yu, who has been undefeated with 10 consecutive wins since the start of the season, was removed from the roster on the 10th, giving him 10 days to recover and be in top condition. On this day, he participated in pitcher practice at Mizuho PayPay Stadium and confidently stated, "I've been able to refresh myself properly while also being able to practice."

Having reduced their magic number for winning the championship to 28, they have already secured a winning record against Nippon-Ham with 14 wins and 3 losses this season. pitcher coach Kurano emphasized, "Of course we want to win three straight, but rather than thinking about three things at once, we're focusing on the game in front of us." Otsu has also improved rapidly with 9 wins, but these three are arguably the best pitchers currently available. First, they will put an end to Shinjo's Nippon Ham. (Tosei Moriguchi)