As the schedule entered mid-May, it was once again time for the annual exchange matches. Prior to the start of these matches, the SoftBank Team proactively adjusted the team's rhythm. They were temporarily leading the Nippon Ham Fighters by 6 wins, and there was only a 2-win gap between them and the current leader, the Orix Buffaloes, maintaining their ranking while continuing to apply sustained pressure on the latter.
Though exchange matches often don't significantly affect internal league rankings, Akiyama Koji still showed considerable attention:
On one hand, no gain is too small, and although a mid-season event championship may not be of great use, it can indeed positively boost team morale and player condition. For example, last year's slow-start SoftBank Team got back on track with its exchange match victory.
