◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026 Yakult vs. Seibu Lions (28th, Jingu Stadium)

Seibu Lions outfielder Shinya Hasegawa hit his seventh home run of the season, a career high.

In the bottom of the fourth inning with one out and a two-run lead, on a 2-1 count, he connected with the fourth pitch from Ogawa, a 116 km/h outside change-up sending it into the left-field stands.

He circled the bases in a pose and returned safely. He took off helmet and dutifully bowed towards the left-field stands where the fans were waiting. "I was cleverly thrown off timing on the first swing, but I'm glad I was able to finish him off with one shot when he came to count," he said with a smile.

Hasegawa had already hit six Home Run so far, matching his personal best from last year, but he broke that record in his 46th game. For reference, last year he hit six home runs in 132 games.