◆ Pacific League: Softbank Hawks vs. Orix Buffaloes (23rd, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Softbank Hawks pitcher Haru Matsumoto left the game after seven innings, having allowed only one runs. The left-hander had been on a six-game winning streak since the game against Nippon-Ham on May 23rd (at Mizuho PayPay Dome). On this day, he escaped a jam with no outs and runners on first and second in the first inning, and then persevered through runner in scoring position in the second and fourth innings.

However, opposing starter Soya was also in top form. The game was pitcher 0-0 through six innings, but with one out and a runner on third in the seventh, Kukita carried it to center field. Go Suzuki was the second pitcher. The lineup is expected to step up.