Pacific League: Seibu Lions 8-4 Rakuten Eagles (28th, Belluna Dome)

Seibu Lions Mitsunari Takahashi pitcher struggled with 4 runs in the middle of the 7th inning, but thanks to the batting lineup's support, they secured their 9th win. The lineup went on a rampage with An-Ko Lin outfielder 5 RBI, including a go-ahead three-run homer. Shinya Hasegawa outfielder, returning from a fractured left hamate bone, made his comeback game and added momentum with 3 hit, 2 RBI, and 2 runs.

The main Q&A with Manager Fumiya Nishiguchi is as follows.

It was a mid-game that could have gone either way, but you pulled off a brilliant win.

I wanted us to keep the runs to a minimum at 5-0, but they closed the gap a bit, so it was a bit of a close call.

What was the deciding factor in the win or loss?

"I think it was really significant when Shunsuke (Sato) closer with just one pitch (in the seventh inning with two outs and runners on first and second base)."

What was your take on Takahashi's pitching?

It's so-so, I'd say. They managed to pull it together somehow, in a way that was neither particularly good nor bad.

Hasegawa, the Interleague MVP, has returned.

He was in good form with the farm team as well, so I believe he is continuing to maintain that same good condition.

3 hits and 2 RBIs. A game-deciding hit in the 7th inning.

I think he did a great job driving that RBI hit to right field in that manner.

An-Ko Lin hit a three-run homer in the first inning to take the lead. It is significant that the returning players are finding their form.

That's right. Since he's been away until now, I want him to make up for it by performing well. Anka had been hitting home runs in the farm team, but I think he finally hit a home run in a good way today.