[Softbank Hawks] Yuki Yanagita hits a tenacious go-ahead sacrifice sacrifice fly! "I felt like if I didn't bring the runner home, I'd lose my life." "OH SADAHARU LEGACY DAY" He makes his presence felt with number 89 | Pacific League

[Softbank Hawks] Yuki Yanagita hits a tenacious go-ahead sacrifice sacrifice fly! "I felt like if I didn't bring the runner home, I'd lose my life." "OH SADAHARU LEGACY DAY" He makes his presence felt with number 89.

Sports Hochi

May 24, 2026 17:44

In the third inning with no outs and a runner on first base, Yuki Yanagita hit a go-ahead two-run Home Run over center field. (Photo by Haruko Yoshimura)

◆ Pacific League Softbank Hawks 7-6 Nippon-Ham (24th, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Softbank Hawks He Yuki Yanagita outfielder gave up a winning left sacrifice fly in the eighth inning.

With the score tied 6-6 and runners on first and third with one out, he stepped up to the plate and, despite being off-timing on the fifth pitch from Nippon-Ham 's Tanaka, hit the ball to left field. The ball flew to near the base line, and third runner Kondo tagged up. He slid in headfirst and scored.

In this game, all the players wore number "89" as part of the "OH SADAHARU LEGACY DAY" theme. They conceded four runs in the first inning, but tied the game in the third, and Yanagida hit a two-run homer in the fourth to give them a temporary lead. After being tied again, they showed their determination to win. "First of all, I feel most strongly that I want to thank Kon-chan (Kondo)... We were in a tough spot, and I fought hard with the feeling that if I didn't get the run back, I would lose my life," he reflected.

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