Tadahito Iguchi
With Daiei needing a win to extend the series, they went to Game 2 starter Sugiuchi. Irabu took the mound for the Tigers to turn the pitching matchup into a rematch of Game 2. Unfortunately, it was a case of deja vu for Irabu and the Tigers. In the very first inning, Irabu gave up a 2-run home run to Tadahito Iguchi, who was having a quiet series up to that point. Daiei led 2–0, and threatened to add more, but Irabu struck out Valdes to end the inning. The Hawks would threaten again in the 2nd with Torigoe reaching on a fielder's choice and subsequently stealing second, but Muramatsu popped out to end the threat.