◆Pacific League: Lotte vs. Rakuten Eagles (8th, ZOZO Marine)

On the 8th, Lotte pitcher Naoya Masuda (36) made a surprise appearance after pitcher Yuki Karakawa's (37) retirement press conference held at ZOZO and presented him with a bouquet of flowers.

Masuda, who was born in 1989 and is in the same school year, appeared at the press conference venue with Yokoyama and others. Karakawa joined the team as a first-round pick from Narita High School in the 2007 high school draft, while Masuda joined as a fourth-round pick from Kansai International University in the 2011 draft, and the two have developed a friendship over the years.

Masuda expressed his desire for a same-age relay in the game against the Softbank Hawks on that day, saying, 'Since there is time until October 3rd (the retirement ceremony), I think there are many things he can show the younger players through his actions and words. I will work hard to stay with the first team until then and burn the image into my eyes. I would be happy if I could pitch after Yuki.' Karakawa responded, 'There would be nothing better than if I pitch and then Naoya pitches. I want to spend my time looking forward to that moment.'