[Softbank Hawks] Strong pitching goes unrewarded... Moinelo allows 2 runs in 8 innings, but the powerful lineup only scores 1 run in the first inning. Magic number for the title is 18 | Pacific League.com

[Softbank Hawks] Strong pitching goes unrewarded... Moinelo allows 2 runs in 8 innings, but the powerful lineup only scores 1 run in the first inning. Magic number for the championship is 18.

Sports Hochi

September 1, 2026 20:22

In the 8th inning, Softbank Hawks' Moinelo talks with Takashi Umino (right) (Camera: Shohei Uemura)

◆ Pacific League: Nippon-Ham 2-1 Softbank Hawks (1st, ES CON FIELD)

The Softbank Hawks lost a close game.

Starting pitcher Moinelo, who took the mound aiming for his fourth win in four games this season, gave up a game-tying solo home run to the lead-off batter Imagawa in the second inning after his team had taken a one-run lead. In the eighth inning, a bad throw by third baseman Kurihara led to a crisis with two outs and a runner on third, and he was hit with a go-ahead RBI by Castro.

However, he did his job well, allowing two runs in eight innings. The lineup only managed one run in the first inning and failed to support the ace. With the second-place Seibu Lions losing, the magic number for the championship decreased by one to 18.