◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026 Chunichi 2-1 Rakuten Eagles (28th, Vantelin Dome)

Rakuten Eagles suffered a come-from-behind loss to Chunichi, extending their losing streak to three games. Their deficit reached a season-worst 10 games.

It was a close game. In the second inning, with no outs and runners on first and third base, they created a golden opportunity and managed to score the first run on an error by the opposing team at third base. It was a crucial run.

Takinaka's excellent pitching shone as the starting pitcher. He faced a crisis with runners on first and second with one out in the first inning but remained unfazed. He stole a swinging struck out from Hosokawa, then took out Shi Yi as a trap and closer runs. After that, we cooked hitter using a variety of different types of fish. In the 6th inning, 4 hit and runs pitch defended the lead.

However, they couldn't hold on in the final stages. In the 8th inning, with one out and a runner on second base, third pitcher Sho Suzuki gave up a timely single to Muramatsu, tying the game. Then, with one out and runners on first and third base, Itayama hit sacrifice fly to center field, giving the opposing team the lead. The relief pitchers faltered, and their first win of the interleague series was put on hold.

Before the game that day, owner Mikitani encouraged the coaching staff and players during practice. They hoped to use his passionate words as motivation to secure win, but ultimately lost the close game.