On September 27th from 14:00, the 25th game between Fukuoka Softbank and Orix Buffaloes will be held at MIZUHO PayPay Dome. After the game, a retirement ceremony for Akira Nakamura is also scheduled.

【Head-to-head record】Fukuoka Softbank (1st) vs Orix Buffaloes (4th) 14 wins, 10 losses

【Probable starters】
Fukuoka Softbank: Ryosuke Otsu 21 games, 11 wins, 5 losses, ERA 2.58
Orix Buffaloes: Yasuto Takashima 22 games, 7 wins, 5 losses, ERA 4.56

Taking the mound as the starter for 　Akira Nakamura 's retirement game is Ryosuke Otsu. Although he has a losing record of 1 win and 2 losses in 3 games against the Orix Buffaloes, he has pitched a total of 20 innings with only 2 earned runs and an ERA of 0.90, achieving a QS in every start. In the lineup, Taisei Makihara is in good form with a monthly batting average of .406 in September. Having spent his entire 19-year career with Fukuoka Softbank, the team hopes to add a touch of glory to Akira Nakamura 's retirement.

Starting for the Orix Buffaloes is Yasuto Takashima. While he has given up many runs in his last two games—4 runs in 6 innings and 6 runs in 4 innings—he pitched well in his previous encounter on August 29th, allowing only 1 run in 5 innings. Can he pitch long innings and bring a win to the team currently on a losing streak? Additionally, Ryoma Nishikawa recorded 2 hits in his previous matchup against pitcher Otsu.