◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026 Rakuten Eagles 2-8 The Giants (9th -Rakuten Eagles Mobile is the strongest)

Rakuten Eagles lost to The Giants, suffering their fourth consecutive defeat. Their deficit reached a season-worst 15 games.

Starting pitcher Shoji allowed runner on base through two innings but kept runs. However, in the third inning, with two outs and runners on first and third base, he gave up a three-run homer to Dalbec, conceding the first run of the game.

The offense continued to get runner on base but couldn't capitalize on the opportunity. In the second inning, they had a good chance with runners on first and third with one out. Ota attempted a safety squeeze, but the ball went straight to pitcher. Kurokawa, runner on third, tried to score but was thrown out at home plate. With two outs and runners on first and second, Nakajima hit a foul fly ball to first base, squandering the chance. In the fifth inning, they had another good chance with runners on second and third with two outs, but Taira grounded out to the shortstop.

In the sixth inning, with one out and a runner on second base, Shoji gave up a two-run homer to Sasaki that went to the left field home run terrace. In the seventh inning, he gave up another solo homer to Kishida to left field. He allowed 12 hit 6 runs in 7 innings. He failed to fulfill his role as a starting pitcher.

They mounted a comeback in the 7th inning with a two-doble down the right field line by Sato, but it wasn't enough. They're struggling in the interleague series with a record of 2 wins and 10 losses. They continue to be stuck in a difficult situation, unable to escape the darkness.