[Softbank Hawks] Yuki Yanagita faces off against Kenta Maeda, a fellow member of the "1988 generation," for the first time in 13 years; Yanagita hits a single to left field in his first at-bat | Pacific League

[Softbank Hawks] Yuki Yanagita faces off against Kenta Maeda, a fellow member of the "1988 generation," for the first time in 13 years. In his first at-bat, he hits a single to left field.

Sports Hochi

March 31, 2026 16:32

In the second inning with no outs, Kenta Maeda throws a powerful pitch to Yuki Yanagita (foreground) (Photo by Kento Yamazaki)

◆ Pacific League Rakuten Eagles vs. Softbank Hawks (31st, Rakuten Eagles Mobile)

Softbank Hawks was Yuki Yanagita outfielder playing "4th and DH" for the fourth consecutive game to open the season. They faced off for the first time in 13 years against the "1988 generation" Rakuten Eagles and Kenta Maeda, who returned to the NPB after an 11-year absence from the U.S. baseball world. The first batter was an unearned run in the 2nd inning, and he hit a hit to left field.

Their last encounter was on June 1, 2013, where he hit a three-run homer to right field and hit At Bat 2. The "1988 generation" has been instrumental in enlivening professional baseball, but only two players remain active in Pacific League. They'll be looking to thrill fans with another memorable matchup.

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