Pacific League: Orix Buffaloes 3-6 Softbank Hawks (30th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

The Softbank Hawks secured their second consecutive series win and reduced their magic number for the championship to 19.

The lineup clicked from the start, reaching double-digit hits by the third inning. In the second inning, with no outs and a runner on second, the seventh batter Kawase hit an RBI single to left to take the lead. In the third, Yanagita's timely hit added another run, and with one out and runners on first and third, Kawase hit another RBI single to left. On the 29th, Kawase had already made an impact with two hits and several great defensive plays in his first appearance in the starting line-up in nine games, and he lived up to expectations for the second consecutive game. Furthermore, the ninth batter Shoji also hit an RBI single, contributing to a four-run outburst in the inning. The performance of the lower part of the batting order was particularly notable. The core of the lineup also made their presence felt, with Kurihara going on a tear with four hits. In the ninth inning, Masaki's 22nd solo home run extended the lead.

Starting pitcher Haru Matsumoto earned his 9th win, allowing 7 hits and 2 runs in 6 innings. He is now one win away from his first double-digit win season.