Osera steers Hiroshima to victory
Hiroshima beat the Tokyo Yakult Swallows 7-4 at Jingu on October 4. Starter Daishiro Osera delivered solid outings at key moments and took the win (3–2), while reliever Daisuke Moriura recorded his 27th save of the season. Hiroshima totaled eight hits; Yakult’s Matsushita hit a three-run homer in the fourth but the comeback fell short. Game time: 2:58. Attendance: 29,207.
Source: 日本野球機構 (NPB)
Matsushita’s three-run shot powers Yakult rally
The Tokyo Yakult Swallows fell 7-4 to Hiroshima on October 4, but Matsushita delivered a three-run homer in the fourth inning that sparked Yakult’s comeback attempt. Starter Walters took the loss (3–5). Yakult finished with six hits and could not complete the late rally. Game time: 2:58. Attendance: 29,207.
Source: 日本野球機構 (NPB)
Encarnacion’s RBI wins it in 11th for DeNA
Yokohama DeNA beat the Hanshin Tigers 2-1 in 11 innings on October 4. Eddie Encarnacion delivered a go-ahead RBI single in the 11th, and Ogata picked up his seventh win of the season; Kudo was charged with the loss (3–1). DeNA collected 12 hits in the 3-hour, 57-minute game. Attendance: 33,675.
Source: 日本野球機構 (NPB)
Tigers fall in extra innings after tight duel
The Hanshin Tigers lost 2-1 to Yokohama DeNA in 11 innings on October 4. Hanshin’s pitching staff kept the game close after an early run, but DeNA’s late offense in the 11th made the difference. Kudo took the loss (3–1). The contest lasted 3:57. Attendance: 33,675.
Source: 日本野球機構 (NPB)
Yamaguchi goes deep twice as Marines prevail
The Chiba Lotte Marines defeated the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles 3-2 at ZOZO Marine on October 4. Koki Yamaguchi hit a two-run homer in the fourth (No. 36) and a solo shot in the sixth (No. 37), homering in consecutive at-bats. Starter Kojima allowed one run across seven innings to claim his sixth win; Rakuten’s Hayakawa took the loss (7–10). Yokoyama recorded his 35th save. Game time: 2:47. Attendance: 23,206.
Source: 日本野球機構 (NPB)
Rakuten falls narrowly but fights til the end
The Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles lost 3-2 to the Chiba Lotte Marines at ZOZO Marine on October 4. Starter Hayakawa pitched six innings, allowing one run (he was charged with the loss, 7–10), but Lotte’s Yamaguchi homered twice. Rakuten rallied late to make it a one-run game and fought to the end. Game time: 2:47. Attendance: 23,206.
Source: 日本野球機構 (NPB)
SoftBank makes multiple roster moves in Oct. 4 announcement
According to Nikkan Sports, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks had multiple players deactivated in the October 4 roster announcement, including Yuki Yanagita, Yudai Yamamoto, Osuna and pitchers Haruki Matsumoto and Haru Matsumoto. The moves follow NPB registration rules on reactivation dates and reflect club management of pitching and roster strategy.
Source: 日刊スポーツ
Orix brings in counseling after rookie’s sudden death
Nikkan Sports reports that Orix has invited external counseling experts after the sudden death of a rookie catcher on September 30. The club intends to strengthen mental-health support for players, coaches and staff; the second team resumed practice following a moment of silence and the organization plans to provide care for all involved.
Source: 日刊スポーツ