◇ Hokkaido Nippon-Ham vs Fukuoka Softbank 21st Round (1st, ES CON FIELD)

Fukuoka Softbank Moinelo pitcher delivered a strong performance with 111 pitches over 8 innings, 3 hit 1 Walk 1 strike out 2 runs (earned runs 1).

Moinelo pitcher retired all three batters in the first inning with 12 pitches, but in the bottom of the second inning with a one-run lead, bullpen breaking ball was carried to left field by Yuma Imagawa leadoff player, giving up a solo home run to tie the game. Still, the bottom of the third inning was closer again with three batters left, and in the bottom of the fourth, with two outs and runners on first and second, he retired Kotaro Kiyomiya in the following on a grounder to infield.

From the bottom of the fifth, he retired three consecutive batters in three consecutive inning. However, in the bottom of the eighth, after allowing leadoff hitter to reach base due to a teammate's error, Castro caught a high fastball with two outs and runners on third, giving up a go-ahead RBI hit. The game ended 1-2, and although Moinelo pitcher suffered his first loss of the season, he still posted a strong ERA 0.62 over four games.

Text by Aoi Nishijima