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

The Softbank Hawks lost a close game. Moinelo pitched well, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) over 8 innings, but the lineup only managed to score one run against Yamazaki, Hori, and Yanagawa. Since the second-place Seibu Lions also lost, the magic number for the championship was reduced to 18.

In the top of the 8th inning with the score tied 1-1, Nomura hit a ground ball between third and short. Third baseman Kurihara attempted a running throw, but it resulted in a bad throw. Later, with two outs and a runner on third, Castro hit a single to center, resulting in runs. In his 9th-inning at-bat with a runner on first and no outs, he struck out swinging. After the game, he boarded the bus, leaving only the words, 'I have nothing to say. Write whatever you want.'

An error occurred during a play made with full effort. While Manager Kokubo encouraged him to rally, saying, 'He is a core player and the player representative. He just has to do it,' Yuichi Honda, the infield defense, base running, and strategy coach, also demanded a leadership stance, stating, 'I think there are times when you feel down emotionally, but in a battle where the championship is on the line, I want him to focus more on the team rather than just himself.' September is the final spurt toward a third consecutive league title. It will be a month where his true value is tested.