The 8th game between Fukuoka Softbank and Hokkaido Nippon-Ham will be held at MIZUHO PayPay Dome on May 24th at 2 PM.

[Head-to-head record] Fukuoka Softbank (3rd place) vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham (4th place): 7 wins, 0 losses

[Announced Starting Pitcher]
Fukuoka Softbank: pitcher Yugo Maeda, 3 games, 2 wins, 0 losses, ERA 1.80
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham: pitcher Koki Kitayama 7 games, 3 wins, 2 losses, ERA 1.93

Fukuoka Softbank 's player to watch is Tomoya Masaki. Since being called up to the first team for the first time this season on the 15th, he has recorded hit in all seven games. In the game Hokkaido Nippon-Ham on the 23rd, he recorded three hit, including a timely hit. He continues to be used as the leadoff hitter, and it will be interesting to see how he tackles the opposing pitcher in this game as well. Starting pitcher Yugo Maeda will be taking the mound for the first time this season against Hokkaido Nippon-Ham. In his three appearances this season, he has pitched five innings in each game, closer two runs or less, and has earned two wins.

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters are currently on a seven-game losing streak against Fukuoka Softbank. Castro had been struggling, going hit since the game against Chiba Lotte Marines on the 13th, but in the game against Hokkaido Nippon-Ham on the 23rd, he recorded two hit, including a sacrifice sacrifice fly to give his team the lead, and one RBI, marking hit in eight games. Starting pitcher Koki Kitayama will be taking the mound for the first time this season against Fukuoka Softbank Hawks. Can he contain the momentum of the opposing lineup, which has recorded double-digit hit in two consecutive games?

Text by Kanako Fukushima