On the 24th, Softbank Hawks' pitcher chief coach and head coordinator Shinji Kurano emphasized the unity of the pitching staff ahead of the season's longest road trip.

In addition to a six-game series against Lotte (ZOZO) starting on the 25th and the Orix Buffaloes (Kyocera Dome Osaka) starting on the 28th, the team will play eight consecutive road games, including matchups against Nippon-Ham (Es Con) on September 1 and 2. Coach Kurano expressed his determination, saying, 'This road trip is definitely a crucial point where we need to hold our ground.'

Closer Sugiyama, who injured his right foot during practice before the Orix Buffaloes game on the 22nd (Mizuho PayPay Dome) and missed two games, is scheduled to return on the 25th. Osuna, who had been responsible for the 7th inning in winning situations but was removed from the active roster after giving up runs in three consecutive games, will travel with the team to Chiba to continue his adjustments. His earliest possible re-registration is the 30th, and the team will proceed cautiously with his return to the first team, stating, "If he reaches a state where a rehab appearance in a farm game is necessary, he will pitch. We will monitor his condition."

It is the final stretch where fatigue is accumulating. Furthermore, these are away games, about which Coach Kurano says, "In my opinion, I think there is more pressure when playing away. From the ninth inning onwards, if you give up a run, the game is over right then and there." The starters and relievers will overcome this as one to pull a third consecutive league title significantly closer.