Nippon-Ham's Fukushima suddenly became the starter and pitched well, allowing one hit and no runs in five innings.

Nippon-Ham's Fukushima pitched well as the starting pitcher suddenly came to the mound. He allowed one hit and no runs through five innings. "It went surprisingly well. I'm glad I got the strike," he said with a smile.

Takashi Kato was scheduled to be the starter, but his player registration was canceled on the 27th due to influenza, and Fukushima, who had been reassigned from starter to reliever in July, was given another chance. The team is in a fierce battle with Seibu for second place. "I'm happy to be a starter, but it's a pretty important time. I just have to do my best."

He effectively used a fastball that exceeded 150km/h and a sharp curveball, and swung his arms at a good tempo. The first and second innings were held by three players. In the third inning, he allowed Inoue to hit to the left field, but he calmly cut off the following players, and in the fourth and fifth innings, he finished with three players each. Director Shinjo narrowed his eyes and said, ``Look!''

Nippon-Ham increased their lead in the final stages with Gunji's home run with the bases loaded and won 8-3. Fukushima said, ``It was fun to be the starting pitcher.'' He pitched to show his presence in the lead-up to the climax series.