Kenji Tomashino, who appeared on "Pro baseball News 2026" broadcast on Fuji TV ONE on the 16th, commented on defense of Softbank Hawks 's first baseman, Hotaka Yamakawa.

Yamakawa was unable to bounce match a first base line ground ball by Rakuten Eagles and Fumiya Kurokawa with one out in the 2-2 5th inning. As a result, he was doble able to break the light line in a timely manner.

Tomashino criticized the defense, saying, "You absolutely cannot give up a run. With the need to stop this losing streak, you have to go for the catch, even if it means getting your body in the way or putting your body on the line." He added, "It may look like a light play, but it affects the team's motivation. Of course, they are expected to hit, but I wanted them to put their body on the line here. I wanted them to play with the determination to stop the ball with their body."

Softbank Hawks lost to Rakuten Eagles 3-4, extending their losing streak to four games and putting them one game below .500. They have now fallen to fourth place.

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