◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026 Chunichi 1-0 Rakuten Eagles (26th, Vantelin Dome)

Rakuten Eagles lost to Chunichi, losing their first game of the interleague series.

Shoji was the starting mound. In the second inning, he gave up a solo home run to Hosokawa, the leadoff batter, giving up the first run. However, he continued to pitch tenaciously despite allowing runner on base. In the third inning, he escaped a jam with runners on first and second with two outs, and in the fourth inning, closer the opponent runs with runners on first and third with two outs. He improved as the game went on, and was relieved after 7 innings, having given up 6 hit 1 runs. He fulfilled his role as a starting pitcher.

The offense, eager to support Shoji, struggled. They were silenced by Chunichi 's starting pitcher, Marler, and were held scoreless through six innings, managing only two scattered hit.

A good opportunity came in the 7th inning, trailing by one run. Two hit created a chance with one out and runners on first and second. However, Ota was grounded out to double play to shortstop. In the eighth inning, he created a good opportunity with one out and a runner on second, but Taira grounded out to third and Sato swung and missed struck out.