Softbank Hawks vs. Lotte (13:30, Mizuho PayPay Dome) Softbank Hawks = Kamichatani, Lotte = Lucchesi

Softbank Hawks' Yanagita has 440 plate appearances this year. With three more plate appearances, he will reach 443, which is the seasonal requirement (team games multiplied by 3.1).

If he reaches the required number of plate appearances, it will be his 10th time in three years. Among the past nine times, he has hit over .300 seven times, including two batting titles. His batting average so far this year is .295. With 15 games remaining, he is well within reach of becoming a .300 hitter for the 8th time in five years.

If he becomes a .300 hitter for the eighth time in team history, including the predecessor club, he will tie Hiromitsu Kadota, who achieved it eight times with Nankai, for the most occurrences. Against Lotte, whom they face on the 13th, he has 22 hits in 62 At Bats over 20 games this year. Since his batting average against them is his highest against any opponent at .355, the focus is on whether he can further increase his overall average.

(Other cards)

☆ Yakult vs Hiroshima (18:00, Jingu) Yakult = Takahashi, Hiroshima = Mori

DeNA vs. The Giants (18:00, Yokohama) DeNA = Takeda, The Giants = Ogasawara

☆ Hanshin Tigers vs Chunichi (18:00, Koshien) Hanshin Tigers = Saiki, Chunichi = Takahashi Hiroto

☆ Seibu Lions vs. Nippon-Ham (17:00, Belluna Dome) Seibu Lions = Takeuchi, Nippon-Ham = Arihara

※ Match card (start time, stadium) and starting pitcher order