◆ Pacific League: Rakuten Eagles 4-0 Orix Buffaloes (2nd, Morioka)

The Orix Buffaloes lost consecutive games to the last-place Rakuten Eagles, reaching a season-worst deficit of six games under .500. This marked their 13th shutout game loss and their 8th three-game losing streak. Manager Mamoru Kishida tipped his hat to Rakuten Eagles starter Shoji, saying, 'His pitches had great break, and he was a solid closer for them. He was clearly very fired up.'

On this day, Iwasaki made his first start since the Lotte game on August 28, 2016, during his time with the Softbank Hawks (at Yafuoku Dome), pitching two innings with zero runs. The manager praised the 36-year-old, who fulfilled his role as the first pitcher on a bullpen day, stating, 'He used changes in pace effectively and his balance was good.'

Without a series win for six consecutive series, the gap with third-place Nippon-Ham has widened to a maximum of 10.5 games. While a comeback to reach the Climax Series has become extremely difficult, Manager Kishida looked ahead, stating, 'We will manage somehow. The painful situation hasn't changed, but we have no choice but to keep going. There is nothing to do but for everyone to work together without giving up.' He also hinted at the possibility of shuffling the roster for the three-game series against Lotte starting on the 3rd at Kyocera Dome Osaka.