[Softbank Hawks] Tomoya Masaki hits his first career leadoff home hitter in the first inning: "I wanted to swing hard enough to make the opponent uncomfortable." SoftBank is currently leading the interleague series and has taken an early lead. | Pacific League

[Softbank Hawks] Tomoya Masaki hits his first career leadoff home hitter in the first inning: "I wanted to swing hard enough to make the opponent uncomfortable." SoftBank is currently leading the interleague series and has gotten off to a good start.

Sports Hochi

June 12, 2026 18:40

In the first inning with no outs, Tomoya Masaki hit Home Run to right-center field and was greeted by manager Hiroki Kokubo (left) (Photo by Shuji Asada)

◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026 Softbank Hawks vs. Yakult (June 12, Mizuho PayPay Stadium)

Softbank Hawks outfielder Tomoya Masaki hit Home Run hitter the first inning. With a 1-1 count, he connected with a fastball from Yakult 's Yoshimura, sending a solo home run over the right field fence to give his team the lead.

"I hit a fastball. As the team's leadoff hitter, I wanted to swing hard enough to make the opposing pitcher uncomfortable. I'm glad I was able to hit home run and score the first run in the best possible way."

For Masaki, it was his first ever hitter home run in the first inning. For the team, it was the first since Yanagita's home run against Lotte on October 5th last season (at ZOZO Marine Stadium).

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