[Softbank] Tomohisa Ozeki pitched a runs seventh inning, bringing the magic number to 2. Manager Kokubo also praised him, saying, “He did a great job in the big game.”
Sports Hochi
2025.9.26(金) 05:00
Pacific League Rakuten 0-6 Softbank (25th, Rakuten Mobile)
With Softbank comfortably beating Rakuten and second-place Nippon-Ham losing to Seibu, the magic number for consecutive league championships is now just two. Starting pitcher Tomohisa Ozeki (27) pitched seven runs innings to earn his team-leading 13th win. This marks the first time in his sixth year as a pro that he has cleared the required innings pitched, and he also leads the team in win percentage (13 wins or more are required). The championship will be decided as early as the 26th. win against Rakuten and a loss or draw by Nippon-Ham against Seibu are required to secure the championship. A draw against Rakuten requires lose by Nippon-Ham.
Today too, they will be lifted up in celebration. “Finally… Two more wins on our own and we’ll be champions. Just think about winning tomorrow,” said Softbank manager Kokubo with a cheerful voice as he looked set to win the league championship for the second time in a row. In the crucial nine-game series, the team suffered four straight losses against Orix, but then won two straight against Rakuten. With a four-game lead over the losing Nippon-Ham, they now have an overwhelming advantage.
This big win was brought about by the ozeki, who was on the brink of becoming a top-ranked player. He had been knocked out twice in the second inning of two consecutive games, but with six days of runs, he pitched seven scoreless innings. He earned his 13th win, the most on the team. A native of Ibaraki and a graduate of Sendai University, this left-handed pitcher is in his sixth year as a pro and was part of the development team. He reached the required innings pitched, demonstrating his growth in his adopted hometown.
This season, he has been focusing on sports psychology. In the first inning of this game, he was in trouble with two outs bases loaded, but he was able to overcome it with his strengthened mentality. 13 wins is a goal he has stated many times before the start of the season. I am happy that we were able to achieve it. The team’s coach was also pleased: “I think the last month or so has been difficult for the team. He did a great job in the big game,” praised the left-hander.
In the eighth inning, Matsumoto Yutaka gave up no runs and earned 43 hold points. He nodded, saying, “I was able to fulfill my role perfectly.” With seven games remaining, he is now eight games behind second-place Perdomo (Orix), securing his first title as the best reliever pitcher. Among fielder, Makihara Dai had five at-bats, reaching the required number of at-bats as of the 25th. With a batting average of just .300, he has risen to the top of the batting average list. It looks like The Hawks will also be taking over the individual titles.
With one game remaining, the team’s record against Rakuten is now 13 wins and 11 losses, ensuring they have a winning record against all five Pacific League teams. Manager Kokubo has a total of 173 wins since his first year in office in 2012. He is now tied with Manager Kudo (Softbank) in 2015 and 2016 for the most win in two years as a rookie manager. They have bounced back from last place with a seven-game deficit to achieve a “complete victory” in a comeback. They will decide it in Sendai in one go. (Shimao Koichiro)
Related News
・ [Scoreboard] Rakuten vs. Softbank
・ [Softbank] M2 Ozeki, who is on the verge of a comeback victory from last place with 7 losses, has the team’s highest 13 wins.
・ [Softbank] Victory on the 26th as well. Second-place Nippon-Ham loses, magic number is now “2”.
・ [Softbank] First batter Gitta in M4: “Winning is fun after all” “I’m treated like an old man” After four straight losses and escaping the bases loaded loaded hell, they will win their second consecutive championship on the 26th
・ [Softbank] Arihara pitches for the fifth time this season, allowing five hit no runs in eight innings for his first win against Rakuten Mobile, his first win since July 2019
AloJapan.com