◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026: Hiroshima vs. Orix Buffaloes (June 6th, Mazda Stadium)

Orix Buffaloes Buffaloes outfielder Yosuke Kubota made his professional debut. The 18-year-old promising prospect, who joined the team as the fourth pick in the 2013 draft from Sapporo Nichidai High School, has started his professional career.

Trailing by four runs in the fifth inning, he came up to bat as a pinch hitter for starting pitcher Tajima. In his first professional at-bat, he faced Hiroshima's Morishita. He swung and missed at the first two fastballs. He fouled off the third pitch, but couldn't connect with the fourth pitch, cutter, and struck struck out looking.

Kubota made his professional debut the day before, replacing Watanabe, who had complained of lower body discomfort. He made a last-minute trip to Hiroshima after the farm league game against Hanshin Tigers (SGL). It was a chaotic affair, as he was added to the bench late in the game, but on this day he participated in batting practice before the game. Manager Kishida encouraged him, saying, "It's okay to make mistakes, just go for it." Kubota himself was eager, saying, "I want to use this to help me grow."