The 12th game between Fukuoka Softbank and Hokkaido Nippon-Ham will be held at MIZUHO PayPay Dome from 6:00 p.m. on July 2nd.

[Match record] Fukuoka Softbank (3rd place) vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham (1st place) 5 wins, 6 losses

[Scheduled starting pitchers]
Fukuoka Softbank: pitcher Tomohisa Ozeki: 12 games, 5 wins, 3 losses, ERA 2.05
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters: pitcher Takayuki Kato 5 wins, 2 losses in 10 games, ERA 2.56

The starting pitcher for Fukuoka Softbank is Tomohisa Ozeki. In his last appearance (June 19th against Hiroshima), he gave up 8 hit, no Hit by Pitch 2 runs in 7 innings, earning his third consecutive win. He also achieved HQS in all of his appearances in June, and is maintaining a good performance with a monthly ERA of 0.78. Will he pitch well to earn his fourth consecutive win?

Meanwhile, Hokkaido Nippon-Ham 's starting pitcher Takayuki Kato is also on a three-game winning streak. On June 11th against Tokyo Yakult, he also won his first complete game win of the season. He will be pitching long inning in this game as well, and will be trying to control the game. In the batting lineup, Chusei Mannami recorded two hit in the previous game and is in good form.

Written by Yokazu Sonoda

・ Pacific League standings /individual results