◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026 Softbank Hawks 3-2 Hanshin Tigers (11th, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Softbank Hawks won a close game by one run, securing their third five-game winning streak of the season. They demonstrated their superior strength by sweeping the three-game series against Hanshin Tigers, whom they had defeated 4-1 in last year's Japan Series. After the game, manager Kokubo cited three reasons for the victory.

The first was Masaki's game-tying solo home run in the fourth inning with no outs, his fifth of the season. "It changed the momentum," he said, praising the team's tenth home run of the series, especially since they hadn't allowed a single runner on base until the third inning.

The second highlight was catcher Umino's strong arm in the sixth inning with one out and runners on first and third, when he prevented pinch-runner Shimada from stealing second base. "That was crucial. We were well aware of Carter's (Stewart's) quick speed, and yet he managed to throw him out there. Not letting them take the lead in that inning was the key to our victory today," he said.

The final hit was a base running of Nomura from second runner base, who scored home on a single to right by Makihara Dai with two outs and runners on second in the seventh inning, tied the game. Although it was time for an out, he dodged the touch with his left hand during a head-sliding move at home in the final. "Nomura's sliding was really good too. base running is The Hawks 's weapon," he said proudly.

The team could clinch their 10th interleague championship as early as the 13th.