◆ Pacific League Seibu-Rakuten (29th and Belluna Dome)

Seibu Lions outfielder Takumi Kuriyama, heading into the game, will be in the starting lineup batting sixth as the designated hitter.

At a press conference held in Tokyo starting from 9:00 that day, he declared, "As for my best play, I've only had one hit so far this season, but I'd say that one in front of the center fielder and my first one after turning pro. I think the best one will be the hit I get today. The (hit count) will definitely move forward," which drew a large round of applause from the venue. All eyes are on whether he will record his 2,152nd career hit.

Kuriyama joined the team from Hyogo Ikuei in the fourth round of the 2001 draft. After making his professional debut in a game against Kintetsu (Osaka Dome) on September 24, 2004, he achieved a total of 2,000 hits on September 4, 2021, becoming the first homegrown player in franchise history to reach the milestone. During contract negotiations in November 2025, he announced that he would retire at the end of the 2026 season.

In his 25th professional season this year, he appeared in 10 games, batting .111 with one hit. He had no RBIs or Home Runs.

Takumi Kuriyama. Born September 3, 1983, in Hyogo Prefecture. 42 years old. Joined the Seibu Lions from Ikuei as the 4th round draft pick in 2001. First appearance was on September 24, 2004, against Kintetsu. Achieved 2,000 hit in 2021. Four-time Best Nine, one-time Golden Glove winner. Stats as of August 29: 2,322 games played, 2,151 hit, 128 Home Run, 3,001 total bases, 914 RBI, 1,052 Walk. Career batting average is .277. 177 cm, 85 kg. Throws right, bats left.