Softbank Hawks achieved a 4-3 win in the game against Lotte (Zozo Marine Stadium) on the 2nd. Although the starter Yugo Maeda allowed a painful comeback in the 8th inning, Yudai Yamamoto's three-run home run in the top of the 9th erased Yugo Maeda's loss. In the bottom of the 9th with a two-run lead, Kazuki Sugiyama, who is competing for the save title, took the mound. Despite facing a crisis with two outs and runners on first and second, he acted as the closer to secure his 35th save, tying for the league lead, as the team reached a 7-game winning streak. On the CS Fuji TV ONE program 'Professional baseball News 2026' broadcast on the 2nd, the focus was on Yamamoto. Commentator Yosuke Hiraishi praised him, saying, 'He hit well in that situation. With one out and runners on first and third, and the possibility of a double play among other things, Yamamoto's reading and technique... were truly amazing.'

Tomotaka Sakaguchi, who was also providing commentary, remarked, 'I'm impressed he was able to hit that pitch in that location without it going foul.'

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"