◇ "Raxus Asia Professional baseball Championship 2026" Chinese Taipei Match (12th, Tokyo Dome)

Under new manager Kazuhito Iguchi, Japan aims for their third consecutive tournament title. Fukuoka Softbank's Tomoya Masaki, who was selected as the leadoff hitter for the opening game, led the lineup with three hit and three RBI, including two consecutive Home Run.

In the top of the 1st inning immediately after play ball, he thrilled the crowd with a leadoff hitter Home Run to the left of the batter's eye. Then, in the top of the 3rd inning with a 2-0 lead, he hit a solo Home Run that struck the signage in left field. Furthermore, in the top of the 7th inning, he hit a timely hit in a scoring opportunity with one out and a runner on third. Including a Walk in his third plate appearance, he reached base in four consecutive plate appearances, perfectly fulfilling his role as the leadoff man.

Tomoya Masaki has served as the leadoff hitter since the middle of this season, marking a club-record 7 leadoff hitter Home Run. Carrying the momentum from winning the MVP in the "SMBC Japan Series 2026," he was immediately active from the first game.

On the mound, starter Yumeto Kanemaru pitcher pitched well, allowing two hit and no runs over seven innings, as Japan started with a 5-0 victory. Tomorrow, the 13th, a match against South Korea will be held starting at 19:00.