◆ Pacific League: Lotte 3-4 Rakuten Eagles (23rd, ZOZO Marine Stadium)

Rakuten Eagles came from behind to win, ending their three-game losing streak.

It was a close game from the start. They conceded the first run in the first inning, but in the third inning, trailing by one run, Tatsumi hit a timely single to center field to tie the game.

In the 7th inning, trailing by two runs, Murabayashi hit a two-run home run to left field with two outs and bases loaded. They tied the game again.

The game entered the final innings tied. In the 7th inning, rookie Kutani closer the opponent runs, shifting the momentum, and the game changed in the 8th inning. With two outs, Nakajima hit triple to right field. Taira, who had come in as a substitute, hit a go-ahead RBI single to left field. Manager Yoshii was pleased, saying, "Nakajima (who returned to starting line-up) got a solid hit, and then it was Taira who came in as a substitute. He showed tenacity and got a hit, so I think it was good."

Starting pitcher Koja pitched a tenacious game, giving up 7 hit 3 runs in 6 innings. He didn't get the win or the loss, but he set the stage for the game. From the 7th inning onwards, Kutani, Tai, and Fujihira each runs one scoreless inning. Their excellent relief pitching helped to shift the momentum in their favor. Rookie Kutani earned his first professional win. Manager Yoshii praised the team, saying, "The reason we won today was that Koja pitched well until the 6th inning, and then in the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings, our young relievers each pitched three innings to close out the game, which was really good."

This was the sixth game against Lotte since manager Yoshii took over, and it was their long-awaited first win. They narrowly defeated their "former team," where he managed until last season, but he didn't seem to mind, saying, "That kind of thing (like it being my former team) doesn't matter."