On September 19th from 18:00, the 21st round match between Chiba Lotte Marines and Saitama Seibu Lions will be held at Zozo Marine Stadium.

【Head-to-head record】Chiba Lotte Marines (5th) vs. Saitama Seibu Lions (2nd) 10 wins, 10 losses

【Probable Starters】
Chiba Lotte Marines: Shuta Takano pitcher 29 games, 3 wins, 3 losses, ERA 2.88
Saitama Seibu Lions: Chihiro Sumida pitcher 22 games, 9 wins, 7 losses, ERA 2.21 (2nd)

Chiba Lotte Marines pitcher Shuta Takano has recorded HQS in both of his two games since converting to a starter. In the match against Saitama Seibu Lions on the 1st, he showed no openings with 7 innings, 2 hits, 8 strike outs, and no runs. Expectations are high for another brilliant performance this time. Also, the team is currently closing in on a 0-game gap with the 4th place Orix Buffaloes. Can they finish the season in the highest possible standings?

On the other hand, Saitama Seibu Lions are currently 0.5 games apart from Hokkaido Nippon-Ham, and the battle to maintain 2nd place continues. Entrusted with the start of an important 5-game road trip is pitcher Chihiro Sumida. So far this season, he has 9 wins and 7 losses in 22 games, with an ERA of 2.21, which is 2nd in the Pacific League behind pitcher Kaima Taira, and he has continued to pitch well with 6 consecutive HQS. He aims to lead the team to a win and achieve double-digit wins for the second consecutive year.

Text by Minagi Niwa