◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026: DeNA 3-7 Rakuten Eagles (June 2nd, Yokohama)

Rakuten Eagles came from behind to win DeNA, ending their six-game losing streak. It was their long-awaited first win in the seventh game of the interleague series. Manager Hajime Miki praised his players, his voice hoarse from the effort, saying, "The players did a great job."

It was a tough game. They took an early 2-0 lead in the 3rd inning, but starting pitcher Shoji couldn't hold on. In the 5th inning, with one out and runners on first and second base, he gave up a three-run homer to Ebina to left field. It was a heartbreaking hit that allowed the opposing team to take the lead.

Nevertheless, they showed resilience in the final innings. In the 8th inning, with two outs and runners on first and second, trailing by one run, Dai Suzuki, who had just been appointed captain, hit a timely infield hit to tie the game. Then, with two outs and runners on first and third, McCusker hit a go-ahead single to left field. In the 9th inning, Hikaru Ito hit a solo home run to center field off his former team, DeNA, to extend their lead.

The manager praised new captain Dai Suzuki, who turned the tide with a spirited hit. "He's been wearing the captain's armband since today, and I'm sure he had a lot on his mind, but he did a great job," he said with a smile, adding, "Enough about me, go and listen to what Daichi (Suzuki) has to say," as he lauded the hero.

After a tough May, they secured their first win in the first game of June. The manager, who was visibly emotional every time a goal was scored, said with conviction, "When I see the players working so hard, I naturally have thoughts about it. I have thoughts about it every day, whether we win or lose, but seeing them today, I had many thoughts. We also had the support of the fans who cheered us on in the stands despite the rain. We have another game tomorrow, so this is no time to be overjoyed. We will continue to work hard."