◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026: The Giants vs. Softbank Hawks (26th, Tokyo Dome)

The Hawks' new lineup showed its destructive power. In the third inning, with one out, they scored five runs in one inning with three Home Run runs from Masaki, Kurihara, and Yamamoto Megumi, interspersed with two Walk. They got off to a great start in the interleague series, a sport in which they boast the most championships among the 12 teams with nine titles.

The leadoff hitter, who is in top form, was the first to take the lead. "I'm glad it turned out to be the best possible result," said Masaki, who hit Norimoto's fastball with one out for a go-ahead solo home run, his second of the season, just inside the left field foul pole. He injured his right leg in mid-March and was promoted to the first team for the game Rakuten Eagles on the 15th. This hit to nine consecutive games.

Last season, he was given the fifth batting position at the start of the season, but suffered a subluxation of his left shoulder in mid-April, resulting in a long-term absence. In the interleague games, his senior from Keio University, Yanagimachi, who took his place as outfield, won the MVP award. This swing showed his determination, saying, "This year it's my turn."

After Shuto and Kondo drew consecutive Walk, new cleanup hitter Kurihara hit his 13th home run of the season, a three-run shot to center field. "I think I was able to hit well," he said, demonstrating the skills that made him the league's two-RBI Home Run and RBI leader before the interleague games.

The final player was Megumi Yamamoto, who was selected for the No. 5 spot. She hit her first solo shot of the season just short of the right field pole. It was ruled a foul at one point, but after replay verification, the decision was made home run. I'm glad I was able to keep the momentum going," she said, raising both hands in the air in joy. With Yanagida, Imamiya, Yamakawa, and others starting from the bench, this was an offensive strike that symbolized a generational change.