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

Rakuten Eagles outfielder Daisuke Nakashima who returned to starting line-up after recovering from a right arm injury, had a spectacular performance, going 4-At Bat-5 hit.

In the third inning with one out, he hit a doble to left-center field; in the fifth inning with no outs and a runner on first, he hit a single to left field hit; in the seventh inning with one out, he hit a single to right field; and in the eighth inning with two outs, he hit a triple over the right-field fence. Had he hit a Home Run, he would have completed the cycle hit—that’s how dynamic his performance was.

Nakajima had been left out of the starting lineup for the home game Seibu Lions on the 20th after being hit by a ball hit by McCusker while runner on third base, but he returned starting line-up from today. He emphasized that he was in perfect condition, saying, "It's fine (the injured area). There's no discomfort. I can throw too." He added sympathetically, "I think I might have exaggerated a little, and I feel sorry for McCusker. I think the one who hit him is probably worried."