Starting at 6:00 p.m. on July 15, the 13th match between Saitama Seibu Lions and Chiba Lotte Marines will take place at Belluna Dome.

[Head-to-Head Record] Saitama Seibu Lions (2nd place) vs. Chiba Lotte Marines (5th place) 7 wins, 5 losses

[advance notice
Saitama Seibu Lions: Sou Sato pitcher 1 win, 0 losses in 4 games, ERA 3.00
Chiba Lotte Marines: Tokito Kawamura pitcher 1 win, 1 loss in 4 games, ERA 3.13

Saitama Seibu Lions is, Sou Sato pitcher He’s been called up to the first team for the first time since May 23: mound. This will be his first matchup against Chiba Lotte Marines since May 1, when he recorded his first professional win. Given that he pitched brilliantly in that game—7 innings, 2 hit, 9 strike out, no runs—we’re hoping he’ll lead the team to a third straight win pitch in this start as well.

In contrast, the starting lineup for the Chiba Lotte Marines is Tokito Kawamura pitcher pitch. In his last two games, he has continued to show consistent performance, as seen here: runs and closer. In the April 10 game against Saitama Seibu Lions, although he didn’t earn the win, he put together a solid outing, pitching six innings with 4 hit, no walks Hit by Pitch, 5 strike out, and 1 runs.

Who will come out on top in this “Hokkaido Native Showdown” between two members of pitcher, both from Hokkaido?

Text by Ryo Aritake