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

Rakuten Eagles' Shoji transformed into a "strike out machine." He pitched a brilliant game, allowing 7 hits and 0 runs over 8 innings to earn his 7th win of the season. Dominating hitters with a combination of splitters and fastballs exceeding 150 km/h, he recorded a career-high 11 struck out. With 141 strike outs, he surpassed Nippon-Ham's Ito to rise to the top of the Pacific League. The right-hander, who threw 118 pitches with stable control and no walk, wiped away his sweat and said, "Striking out hitters is my strength. I'm happy to have achieved a career-high number. Of course, I want to win the title, so I hope to keep this going."

He did not succumb to the adverse conditions. The start of the game was delayed by about 30 minutes due to rain just before the match. It was also an appearance on an unfamiliar mound, as the game was held in Morioka, Iwate. 'There are people who can only come to watch today, so I want to show them my best,' he said, pitching brilliantly with great spirit. While Manager Yoshii praised him, saying, 'He worked hard in the second half,' he also expressed hope for further growth, adding, 'He's capable of more than that.' The highly anticipated ace candidate led the team to two consecutive victories. (Kota Miyauchi)