◆ Pacific League: Softbank Hawks 8-2 Seibu Lions (4th, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Softbank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo (54) stepped out of the dugout without hesitation. In the fourth inning with a one-run lead and runners on first and second with one out, he quickly gave up on Yuu Maeda, who had been undefeated since the season opener and was tied for the league lead with 11 wins. 'Anyone could see he was done at that point,' he said, coolly reflecting on the ruthless decision-making that led to reducing the magic number by two to 16.

The three-game direct series against the second-place Seibu Lions, who are five games behind, is the final hurdle toward a third consecutive league title. Yu Maeda is in contention not only for Rookie of the Year but also for titles such as most wins and highest winning percentage (contingent on 13 or more wins), but the team's win right in front of him is the top priority. 'The factor in our win was that we came back properly after that without letting them tie the game,' said the manager. The second pitcher, Go Suzuki, cut off the Seibu Lions lineup's counterattack and pulled the momentum back just as it was starting to shift.

No decision was recorded for Yu Maeda, and his undefeated winning streak continues into his next start. After leaving the mound, he left words sounding like a losing pitcher, saying, "Despite being entrusted with an important game that we absolutely could not lose, I really have to reflect on my performance. I ended up causing trouble for the team and the reliever. I want to make sure this never happens again." Regardless of the content of the 7 hit and 2 Walk, the result was only 2 runs allowed in 3 1/3 innings. The fact that this third-year left-handed pitcher out of high school possesses such a strong sense of responsibility symbolizes the strength of The Hawks.

In the end, the lineup clicked in the seventh inning, and the relief pitchers combined for a zero runs relay to secure a comfortable 8-2 victory. This puts them six games ahead of the Seibu Lions. It was a significant win toward achieving their first three consecutive league titles since moving to Fukuoka. (Koichiro Shimao)