◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026: Lotte 0-1 Hanshin Tigers (29th, ZOZO Marine Stadium)

Lotte pitcher Haruya Tanaka (21) started the game and threw 115 pitches over 6 innings, allowing 3 hit, 2 Walk, strike out 3, and runs 1 run, resulting in his fourth loss of the season. He was unable to secure his second win of the season, which would have been his first since the game against Seibu on March 28 (at ZOZO Seibu Lions Stadium).

In the first inning, he walked Nakano, the leadoff batter, which led to a two-out, runners-on-first-and-third Walk, but he managed to get out of the jam without runs. However, in the second inning, with one out and the bases bases loaded, he gave up a run on a ground ball to second base by Nakano. From the third inning onward, his control improved, and he closer the side in each inning three times without runs until the sixth inning.

After the game, manager Saburo said with a grim expression, "As you can see, I think it's fair to say that he threw nearly 100 pitches in four innings, his rhythm was off, and I think he caused trouble for fielder. This isn't just limited to today's game. I'm thinking about whether he needs to change something himself, or whether I need to change something."