On September 21st from 18:00, the 22nd round match between the 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, 11 losses

【Probable Starters】
Chiba Lotte Marines: Jackson pitcher 23 games 9 wins 8 losses, ERA 3.43
Saitama Seibu Lions: Natsuki Takeuchi pitcher 21 games 11 wins 7 losses, ERA 3.07

The previous day's game was cancelled due to rain, and pitcher Jackson for the Chiba Lotte Marines and pitcher Natsuki Takeuchi for the Seibu Lions are scheduled to start as slide-over appearances. Pitcher Jackson is aiming for double-digit wins for the second consecutive year. On the other hand, pitcher Takeuchi has recorded 4 wins against the Chiba Lotte Marines this season. This game is also forecasted for rain, making adjustments difficult, but they will want to approach the mound with thorough preparation.

Among the fielders, pay attention to Ryusei Terachi and Taiga Hirasawa. Terachi is in good form with multiple hits in three consecutive games, and Hirasawa, who struggled with a .204 batting average in August, is recovering with a .280 average in September. Expectations are high for a hit that leads the team to a win.

Text by Minagi Niwa