◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026 Softbank Hawks vs. Hanshin Tigers (June 9th, Mizuho PayPay Stadium)
Softbank Hawks ・ Ryoya Kurihara infielder hit a two-run homer in the first inning.
With one out, Shuto got on base with doble the left field line, and then came to bat with two outs and a runner on second. After strike, he hit a fastball from Hanshin Tigers 's Saiki, sending it over the head of Central League Home Run Teruaki Sato into the right field stands for a go-ahead two-run homer.
His 100th career home run was a memorable one, providing support for starting pitcher Otsu. "I was able to make a solid swing. I'm just glad that I was able to score the important opening run," he said, savoring the moment.
![[Video] Kurihara's memorable home run! A go-ahead two-run homer, his 100th career home run.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/09/20260609-OHT1I51329-C.jpg)
![[Scoreboard] Softbank Hawks vs. Hanshin Tigers](/asset/img/news/source/logo_hochi.png){kind=logo}
![[Softbank Hawks] Isami Nomura will start for the first time in a month as the "number 7 batter, starting line-up," Kensuke Kondo will also return to the starting lineup as the "number 3 batter, designated hitter," and Yuki Yanagita will start on the bench.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/09/20260609-OHT1I51287-C.jpg)
![[Softbank Hawks] Ryosuke Otsu remains relaxed about winning the Interleague MVP: "It's not something you aim for, so I don't particularly think about it." If he wins the award as pitcher, it would be the first time since Dodgers' Yamamoto.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/08/20260608-OHT1I51384-C.jpg)
![[Softbank Hawks] Ryosuke Otsu creates momentum for winning the interleague series. "Last week I realized once again how important it is to start a series."](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/08/20260608-OHT1I51165-C.jpg)
