The 17th game between Fukuoka Softbank and Orix Buffaloes will be held at MIZUHO PayPay Dome on August 23rd at 1:00 PM.

[Head-to-head record] Fukuoka Softbank (1st place) vs. Orix Buffaloes (4th place): 8 wins, 8 losses

[Announced Starting Pitcher]
Fukuoka Softbank: Haru Matsumoto pitcher 16 games, 8 wins, 2 losses, 3.16 ERA
Orix Buffaloes: pitcher Ryuhei Sotani, 10 games, 4 wins, 5 losses, ERA 4.01

Fukuoka Softbank starting pitcher Haru Matsumoto, who is currently on a six-game winning streak and in good form. He has appeared in two games so far in August, with a record of 2 wins and 0 losses and ERA of 0.75. In the game against Saitama Seibu Lions on the 7th, he recorded a season-high 10 strike out and pitched a strong game, allowing only one runs in seven innings. In his last appearance (against Tohoku Rakuten Eagles on the 16th), he earned his eighth win of the season by pitching five hit runs, allowing only two hits, showcasing his consistent pitch. Yudai Shoji game the previous day with two hit two RBI. With his batting average for August at .325, will he continue to impress in his bid to secure a regular starting position?

The question remains whether Orix Buffaloes 's starting pitcher, Ryuhei Sotani can recover his form. After his first complete game of the season against Tokyo Yakult on June 10th, he was temporarily sidelined due to poor physical condition. Although he rejoined the first team for the game against Chiba Lotte Marines on the 8th, he has given up 9 runs in 8.2 inning over 2 games, far from his usual pitch. On the offensive side, expectations are high for Yuma Mune who had a timely hit in the previous game. In his three encounters with pitcher Haru Matsumoto this season, he has a good record with 3 hits in 6 At Bat and 3 hit Hit by Pitch.

Written by Ao Yokoyama