◆ Pacific League: Rakuten Eagles vs. Seibu Lions (23rd, Rakuten Eagles Mobile Saikyo Park Miyagi)

Seibu Lions 's starting pitcher, So Sou Sato, left the game after 5 2/3 innings, having given up 4 hit 1 runs. He left the game with the score tied and was unable to secure the win, but he fulfilled his role as a substitute starter for the second time this season.

With starting pitcher Natsuki Takeuchi having to withdraw due to back stiffness, this was the second time this season that he had to start as a substitute, the first being on May 16 against Nippon-Ham (at Escon Stadium). He got off to a good start, closer the first three batters in order in the first inning. However, in the second inning, he gave up a solo home run to McCusker, the leadoff Home Run, which landed in the right-field stands, allowing the opposing team to score first.

"In the early innings, I was feeling my way around while pitching and gave up a home run, but after that I was able to switch my mindset and concentrate on my pitching," he said, showing resilience from there on. In the third inning, with two outs, he walked a doble and gave up a double, putting runners on Walk and third, but he got Muneyama to ground out to the shortstop. In the fourth inning, he gave up a single to McCusker, the leadoff hit, but retired the next three batters. In the fifth inning, immediately after his teammates tied the game, he retired the side in order.

In the sixth inning with two outs, he gave up hit to Muneyama to right field, and was taken out of the game with McCusker at bat. "I regret and am disappointed that I was taken out of the game before I could get three outs in the fifth inning. I will re-examine the power of my fastball and keep my spirits up for my next appearance, practicing so that I can perform well whenever I am called upon," he vowed.