[Softbank Hawks] Seibu Lions back in first place in the interleague standings. They could clinch their 10th title in two consecutive years on the 14th. Manager Hiroki Kokubo: "We'll just do what we have to do." If Nippon-Ham wins again, it will be a close race based runs differential. | Pacific League

[Softbank Hawks] Seibu Lions back in first place in the interleague standings. They could clinch their 10th title in two consecutive years on the 14th. Manager Hiroki Kokubo: "We'll just do what we have to do." If Nippon-Ham wins again, it will be a battle for runs differential.

Sports Hochi

June 13, 2026 21:12

Manager Hiroki Kokubo announces a player substitution in the ninth inning (camera: Shuji Asada)

◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026 Softbank Hawks 8-1 Yakult (13th, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Softbank Hawks Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo revealed his feelings about winning the interleague series for the second consecutive year and tenth time overall.

On this day, they gave up the lead in the second inning, but in the third, Kondo hit a go-ahead two-run homer. He scored runs in consecutive Home Run with Nomura in two at-bats, leading to a big win. Seibu Lions regained the top spot after losing to The Giants. If Nippon-Ham with two matches remaining wins consecutively, the match will be decided by TQB (Total Quality Balance = runs Percentage Difference), so there is no winner on their own. Heading into the last game, Manager Kokubo said, "I'm not really thinking about winning the championship. There's nothing we can do. I want to do what needs to be done," he vowed to finish with a win.

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