◇ Chiba Lotte Marines vs Saitama Seibu Lions 24th Game (5th, Zozo Marine Stadium)

Chiba Lotte Marines rookie Ryoju Okamura, the 6th pick in the draft, made his first professional hit.

On the 4th, he was promoted to the first team for the first time and made his professional debut as the eighth batter catcher starting line-up. He led the starting pitcher Yuji Nishino pitcher, retired the closer three batters in order in the first and second innings, and in the bottom of the second, with one out and a runner on first, he made his professional debut. On the first pitch of opposing starter Mitsunari Takahashi, pitcher, he swung a full swing ball that landed on the left field line despite the blockage, earning warm applause from the entire stadium for his memorable hit.

Okamura joined the Chiba Lotte Marines as the 6th pick in the 2025 draft from Tomishima High School. He played 93 games in the farm league, batting .217 with a Home Run average.

◇ Comment from Player Okamura
"I think the one I hit was fast. The coach told me I could swing boldly from the very first pitch, so I'm honestly happy that he swung that first pitch and got a hit."

◇ Okamura's First Record
First appearance: October 5, 2026, against Saitama Seibu Lions
First hit October 5, 2026 against Saitama Seibu Lions