◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026: Hiroshima vs. Nippon-Ham (June 4th, Mazda Stadium)

Nippon-Ham two-way player Leo Shibata pitcher (20) made his first start of the season as the seventh batter pitcher. He pitched 88 pitches in 4 innings, 5 hit 1 runs and was taken out. He made his first professional appearance as a 'real two-way player,' both pitching and hitting. His fastest record was 151 km/h, beating 4 struck out.

He retired all three batters in the first inning closer, but in the second inning, with one out, Fabian hit his third solo homer over left field to take the lead. In the fourth inning, he faced a bases loaded crisis with one out, but he swung the ninth batter Mori struck out missed, and the leadoff batter Nahara made it count 3-2 and grounded out to first with a curveball.

In his first professional at-bat in the second inning, he hit a fly ball to left field that was just a few meters short of Home Run. In his second at-bat in the fourth inning, he hit into a double double play to second base.

He pitched tenaciously in the heavy rain. After leaving the mound, he humbly commented, "I regret the poorly placed fastball that gave up the home run. However, I think not giving up any more runs will help me next time. It was a great experience to be able to pitch on the first team stage. I would like to thank my senior fielder who helped me out with great plays."