Nippon-Ham: The No. 4 batting rookie gets his first professional hit in his first at-bat. He uses his speed to grab an infield hit. | Pacific League

[Nippon-Ham] The No. 4 batting rookie, No. 2 draft pick, gets his first professional hit in his first at-bat, using his speed to grab an infield hit.

Sports Hochi

February 8, 2026 13:35

In the first inning, with two outs and a runner on first, Ed Polokane hit an infield single to third base (photo by Hidenori Baba)

◆ Practice match between Nippon-Ham and Hanshin Tigers (8th, Nago)

Nippon-Ham 's second-round draft pick, outfielder Edpolo Cain of Osaka Gakuin University, recorded his first professional hit in his debut game.

He started as the No. 4 batter and starting line-up in the first external game of the season against Hanshin Tigers. He came to bat in the first inning with two outs and a runner on first base, and swatted the first pitch from Hanshin Tigers starter Ibaraki, sending a grounder deep into the gap between third and shortstop. Shortstop Devaney also showed a streamlined throw, but he sprinted to first base.

He responded to his first professional at hit bat by hitting a home run as the cleanup hitter. He was smiling as he received applause from the stands.