◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026: Lotte vs. DeNA (13th, ZOZO Marine Stadium)

Lotte infielder Neftalí Soto (37) played as the cleanup hitter and designated hitter, achieving his 1000th career game appearance. He is the 545th player in professional baseball to reach this milestone. An announcement was made over the loudspeaker at the end of the 5th inning, and he responded to the cheers of the fans while holding up a commemorative board.

Born in Puerto Rico, Soto was drafted in the third round by the Reds in 2007 and made his major league debut in 2013. He played in 34 games over two years. In 2015 he played for the White Sox, and in 2016 and 2017 he played in the minor leagues of the Nationals. In 2018 he joined the Yokohama DeNA BayStars. In his first year, he won Home Run title for two consecutive years with 41 and 43 Home Run. In 2019 he won RBI title as well. He has been playing for the Chiba Lotte Marines since 2024 and was appointed captain this season. On June 5th, in a game against the Yomiuri The Giants (at Tokyo Dome), he achieved his 200th career home run, becoming the 116th Home Run in professional baseball to reach this milestone.