[Nippon-Ham] Yuya Gunji "The Xiaolongbao I ate yesterday really helped me." Taiwan's Ruei-Yang Gu Lin hits a solo home run to open the scoring | Pacific League

[Nippon-Ham] Yuya Gunji "The Xiaolongbao I ate yesterday really helped" - Taiwan's Ruei-Yang Gu Lin scores the opening solo home run

Sports Hochi

February 27, 2026 16:38

Yuya Gunji hit a leadoff Home Run over the left field fence in the second inning off Taiwanese representative Ruei-Yang Gu Lin (photographer: Haruki Kawakami)

2026 Taiwan-Japan baseball International Exchange Game: Taiwan National Team vs. Nippon-Ham (27th, Taipei Dome)

Nippon-Ham Fighters catcher Yuya Gunji (28) hit a solo home run over left field off his Taiwanese national team teammate, Ruei-Yang Gu Lin in his first at-bat in the second inning. He connected with a 151 km/h pitch on count, saying in his characteristic humorous style, "I hit a fastball. The xiao long bao I ate yesterday did the trick. I'm enjoying this game just like in the regular season."

The No. 3 player, who will be batting fourth in the opening game, hit his first home run of the season in Taiwan with a powerful shot. Ruei-Yang Gu Lin will represent Taiwan in a match against Samurai Japan on March 6th (Tokyo Dome). Gunji's hit may be a good example for the Japanese team.