◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026 Chunichi 1-2 Softbank Hawks (June 4, Vantelin Dome)

Softbank Hawks The team extended its winning streak to seven games—a season high—and recorded its first-ever six-game winning streak against the Chunichi. They took the lead in the first inning on Kurihara’s 17th two-run homer and held on to the two-run lead.

With the support he received, starting pitcher Stewart kept the opposing team runs through five innings, setting the tone for the game.

In the sixth inning, the lead was cut to one run, and with one out and runners on first and second, the Hikaru Kimura switched to the field. Although the game was then bases loaded with one out, he got two consecutive swing misses from the sixth batter Bosler and seventh batter Ishii to struck out, preventing the game from tying.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, they failed to score any additional runs with runners on second and third with no outs, but Sugiyama closer the side in order in the bottom of the inning. They achieved their seventh consecutive win in interleague play, their first such streak in a single season since their 10-game winning streak in 2011.

After the game, manager Kokubo praised pitcher who held onto their two-run lead, saying, "Yesterday it was hitter. We've been able to win consecutive games because our pitching and hitting are working together."

Hikaru Kimura who didn't allow runs with bases loaded said, "(Was it big?) Well, that's true. I was prepared for a tie, but I managed to get through with consecutive struck out," he praised highly. Even when Sugiyama stood at the mound of the ninth inning with a bad momentum, he said, "Sugiyama pulling through with three runners on second and third with no outs and runners on second and third is impressive. It was a pitch that didn't matter about the flow of the baseball."