Nippon-Ham Fighters lose their first game in the top-ranked battle... Takayuki Kato gives up four runs is knocked out... The gap with Softbank is now just two games | Pacific League

４回１死、交代を告げられた加藤貴（中央＝カメラ・義村　治子）

Pacific League Softbank 4-1 Nippon-Ham (9th, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Nippon-Ham pitcher Takayuki Kato (33) started against Softbank on the 9th (Mizuho PayPay), but gave up six hit four runs in the fourth inning, including hits by Yamakawa and Downs, resulting in his fifth loss. The team suffered their second straight loss, losing the first game of the battle for the top spot, widening the gap with Softbank to two games.

When he confirmed that the batted ball landed in the left center, Takashi Kato dropped his shoulder. In the 4th inning of 2-1, he allowed two runs to Downs and gave up two runs that were too painful. He took one out and was told to be replaced when he welcomed No. 8 Unno. “I wasn’t in bad shape, I couldn’t create a game, and I’m sorry for the team.” Although he was entrusted with the first game of the battle for the lead, he suffered his fifth loss in 4 runs in 3 1/3 innings and began to squeeze out his words.

In the last Orix game on the 1st (Kyocera D), he was runs clean until the 8th inning, but lost 4 runs in the 9th inning and lost walk-off. The team’s main team was involved in two flight delays and entered the stadium about an hour before the start of the game. As a starter, the left-hander, who had entered the game the day before, said, “I wanted to throw it all by myself. It was the most frustrating thing this season,” and as he vowed to take revenge, he was disappointed by the pitch of the day.

Manager Shinjo called for improvement, saying, “It’s tough to throw off the batter’s timing if there’s a single pattern. You need to be creative with your pitch form to throw them off.” The team’s losing streak has reduced their lead to 21, and their record against Softbank is now 7 wins and 10 losses. The 33-year-old, who is trusted by the manager as “our left-handed ace,” will definitely get his revenge in the next game. (Kawakami Haruki)

With one out in the fourth inning, Mannami quickly catch a ball hit to right field by Umino, resulting in a grounder to right field. “I thought it was going to be a good hit, so I adjusted my positioning to aim harder than usual.” He used his strong arm to save second-string pitcher Namatame.

Martinez started as the fourth batter and first baseman, and fought alone, hitting two doble off Arihara. “It’s difficult to play against pitcher Arihara. I tried to watch the ball carefully and make good swings,” he said.