◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026: Lotte 3-4 Hanshin Tigers (30th, ZOZO Marine Stadium)

Lotte suffered two straight losses to Hanshin Tigers. They failed to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities, resulting in a series loss.

Trailing by one run in the bottom of the second with two outs, Naonori Yasuda infielder—who had just joined the first team for the first time this season and was starting at third base batting seventh—connected with a 147 km/h pitch on the outside corner and sent it over the back screen.It was his first home run since October 10, 2023, against the Rakuten Eagles (Rakuten Eagles Mobile). After confirming the ball had landed, he clenched his right fist tightly and rounded the bases. Upon crossing home plate, he received a rousing celebration from his teammates.

Manager Saburo praised Yasuda, saying, "It's good that he hit home run." However, in the fourth inning, with two outs and runners on second and third base, Yasuda grounded out to third base, and Saburo was critical, saying, "I had some hope for him in that scoring opportunity afterwards, but he just didn't do it today."

Yuki Karakawa pitcher, who started for the first time this season, pitched 5 innings, hit 4 runs. home run 3-for-4 runs The manager criticized, "The second pitch was a bit like it was a reverse pitch. I think we could have stopped it."