◆ Pacific League: Softbank Hawks vs. Nippon-Ham (22nd, Mizuho PayPay Dome)
Softbank Hawks Hawks catcher Yudai Yamamoto hit a solo Home Run since joining the team.
Stepping up to the plate with one out, he swung at two consecutive breaking ball from Tatsumi after a ball, sending them into the left-field stands. In the dugout, he received boisterous congratulations from his teammates, and Yamamoto Yu was all smiles. "I was able to make a solid swing. We needed some extra runs in the late innings, and I think I was able to bring the game into a good position with home run. I'll do my best to keep this momentum going and win," he said, reflecting on the hit that extended the lead to three runs.
![[Scoreboard] Softbank Hawks vs. Nippon-Ham](/asset/img/news/source/logo_hochi.png){kind=logo}
![[Softbank Hawks] Draft pick #1, Rintaro Sasaki, is scheduled to meet with the team. Management company releases statement: "He is considering a temporary return to Japan around the end of June. He is scheduled to meet with Fukuoka Softbank Hawks organization."](https://hochi.news/images/2026/05/22/20260522-OHT1I51386-L.jpg)
![[Softbank Hawks] Jun Maeda, in his first start of the season, pitched brilliantly, allowing only two hit and striking out six strike out runs innings. "I was able to showcase my strengths and characteristics well. I'm glad I was able to pitch well."](https://hochi.news/images/2026/05/22/20260522-OHT1I51372-L.jpg)
![[Softbank Hawks] Ukyo Shuto 's speed shone in the lightning-fast opening run Kensuke Kondo who hit the timely single to right field, also expressed his gratitude, saying, "It was a run we were able to score thanks to Yuki's speed."](https://hochi.news/images/2026/05/22/20260522-OHT1I51337-L.jpg)
