On July 3rd at 18:00, a ninth-round match between Fukuoka Softbank and Chiba Lotte Marines will take place on MIZUHO PayPay Dome.

[Head-to-head Record] Fukuoka Softbank (1st place) vs Chiba Lotte Marines (4th place) 4 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw

[Announced Starting Lineup]
Fukuoka Softbank: C. Stewart Jr. pitcher 9 fights, 4 wins, 3 losses, ERA 5.66
Chiba Lotte Marines: Koshiro Hiroike pitcher 11 games, 2 wins, 3 losses, ERA 3.30

Fukuoka Softbank 's starting pitcher was C. Stewart Jr. pitcher. In his previous appearance (June 20, against Hokkaido Nippon-Ham), he gave up runs in the middle of the game and missed his third straight win with 5 hit 2 Walk 7 strike out 3 runs over 4.1 innings, throwing 100 pitches in 4.1 innings. He faced Chiba Lotte Marines on April 5, pitching 6 innings with 4 hit, 2 fours Hit by Pitch 5 strike out 2 runs. He pitched well again in this game and wants to lead the team to a sixth straight win.

Chiba Lotte Marines Koshiro Hiroike pitcher is scheduled to start. In his previous appearance (the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham game on the 23rd), he pitched 6 innings with 84 pitches, 8 hit no walks Hit by Pitch 2 strike out 3 runs, and finished lose pitcher. Although he has been away from wins since the May 28 game against Hiroshima, he has delivered a strong performance that inspires his teammates, aiming for his third win and the team's third consecutive win.

Text by Aoi Nemoto