◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026 Hanshin Tigers vs. Rakuten Eagles (May 5th, Koshien)
Rakuten Eagles announced starting line-up for the game against Hanshin Tigers on the 5th.
In the game against DeNA (Yokohama) on the previous day, the 4th, they were unable to defend a 7-run lead lose. The starter mound for the game, which aims to halt a losing streak, is Takayuki Kishi pitcher. Expectations are high for the right-hander pitch, who is aiming to become the 14th player in history to win 20 consecutive years.
Hikaru Ito was chosen as catcher. This was starting line-up start since the game Seibu Lions on May 10th (Belluna Dome). The experienced veteran battery will try to stop the losing streak.
Below is Rakuten Eagles 's starting line-up.
[Rakuten Eagles]
Number 1, Right Fielder: Sato
Number 2, Center Fielder: Tatsumi
Third baseman Taira
Number 4, first baseman: Asamura
5th batter, shortstop Murabayashi
Number 6, Second Baseman: Kurokawa
Number 7, Left Fielder: McCusker
Number 8, catcher: Hikaru Ito
Number 9, pitcher Kishi
![[Video] Trap mistake!? Followed by a no-look volley!! It's a baseball game.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/04/16/20260416-OHT1I51483-L.jpg)
![[Scoreboard] Hanshin Tigers vs. Rakuten Eagles](/asset/img/news/source/logo_hochi.png){kind=logo}
![[Rakuten Eagles] pitcher coach Koji Aoyama will accompany the first team, while pitcher coach Riki Onodera will accompany the second team. The previous day, they were unable to hold onto a 7-run lead and suffered walk-off loss.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/05/20260605-OHT1I51310-C.jpg)
![[Rakuten Eagles] "I'm sorry to the fans who support us," Manager Hajime Miki makes a heartbreaking comment after a shocking 7-run comeback loss.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/04/20260604-OHT1I51628-C.jpg)
![[Rakuten Eagles] Naoki Sato hits a leadoff home run in the first inning, giving Rakuten an early lead with 4 runs hitter against Yokohama's ace left-handed hitter, with 10 batters coming to the plate.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/04/20260604-OHT1I51432-C.jpg)
![[Lotte] Takeshi Yamazaki, who was released by Rakuten Eagles last offseason, has been promoted to the main roster. "There were many times when I thought I might not be able to go back. First of all, I am grateful to have the chance to play on this stage."](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/05/20260605-OHT1I51337-L.jpg)
![[Rakuten Eagles] pitcher coach Koji Aoyama will accompany the first team, while pitcher coach Riki Onodera will accompany the second team. The previous day, they were unable to hold onto a 7-run lead and suffered walk-off loss.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/05/20260605-OHT1I51310-L.jpg)
![[Farm Team] Sou Sato pitched 8 innings with 113 pitches and 3 runs, 14 hit 6 runs for Saitama Seibu Lions to secure consecutive wins.](https://media.insight.pacificleague.com/webp/wFErsHXXyRLEQTScaKzHzIVXuXkEVJkIb9HIjSJE.webp)
![[Highlights of the Pacific League Interleague Games on the 5th] Fukuoka Softbank is on a 7-game winning streak!](https://media.insight.pacificleague.com/webp/dR36l5ADdPJyx02RigdCR99RFzNBF1OSgvBZCKue.webp)
