On August 5th at 18:00, the 16th round match between Fukuoka Softbank and Hokkaido Nippon-Ham will be held on MIZUHO PayPay Dome.

[Head-to-head Record] Fukuoka Softbank (1st place) vs Hokkaido Nippon-Ham (3rd place) 13 wins, 2 losses

[Announced Starting Lineup]
Fukuoka Softbank: Ryosuke Otsu pitcher 15 games, 9 wins, 2 losses, ERA 2.51
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham: Koki Kitayama pitcher 16 games, 9 wins, 3 losses, ERA 2.11

Fukuoka Softbank started Ryosuke Otsu pitcher. In his last appearance (July 25, against Saitama Seibu Lions), he pitched 5.0 innings, 6 hit, 5 Walk 6 runs and couldn't get into a game. In July, he struggled with a 2-0 record in four games, but his monthly ERA was 4.88. In this game, he aims to show a stable pitch aiming for his first double-digit win. In the batting lineup, Taisei Makihara has recorded multi-hit in two consecutive games.

On the other hand, Hokkaido Nippon-Ham started Koki Kitayama pitcher. He faced Fukuoka Softbank on July 14, and although there was no decision, he pitched 7 innings with 117 pitches, 4 hit 1 Walk, 8 strike out 1 runs. In this game, he is also aiming for a new personal best for his 10th win.

Text by Rihoko Niwa