Nippon Ham Fighters game canceled due to heavy rain

The Nippon Ham Fighters game against the Chiba Lotte Marines at ZOZO Marine Stadium was canceled due to heavy rain on June 22. After weather conditions worsened around 4:30 PM, an official cancellation was announced at 6:55 PM.

Fighters manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo noted that the cancellation provided a necessary rest for the team's relief pitchers, who had been heavily utilized during three consecutive extra-inning games. Shinjo also cited player safety, mentioning the danger of slipping on the wet field.

The cancellation is viewed as a strategic advantage for the Fighters, as they currently have five more games remaining in the season than the SoftBank Hawks, potentially helping them close the gap in the standings during the final stretch of the season.