◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026: Nippon-Ham 4X-3 Chunichi (13th, ES CON FIELD)

Nippon-Ham On the 13th, the team defeated the Chunichi (Escon) walk-off, marking their first nine-game winning streak in 10 years. They also extended their winning margin to a season-high "7," overtaking the defeated Orix Buffaloes to move up to third place in the league. They also maintained a 0.5-game lead over the top team in the interleague standings. Yua Tamiya catcher (26), who started at starting line-up batting sixth as catcher, hit his third solo home run of the season over the right-field fence in the eighth inning—a call that was overturned on a challenge. With this birthday home run celebrating himself, he made a major contribution to the team’s winning streak.

＊＊＊＊

When the call was overturned, Tamiya raised his right hand and started running. It was the 8th inning, with a one-run lead, one out, and no runner on base. He connected with Chunichi 's Hashimoto's first pitch, a 135 km/h slider. The ball was a towering fly ball towards the right field wall. The ball hit the railing behind wall and bounced back, and was initially ruled in play, but after an appeal from manager Shinjo, umpire reviewed the replay and overturned the call. He laughed at his third home run of the season, saying, "I was just hoping it would go in. It was my birthday, so I was incredibly happy."

He immediately put the advice into practice. Just before going to the next batter, manager Shinjo called out to him. "He told me, 'Just before the point of contact,' and when I really did hit it just before the point of contact, I was able to hit it." Manager Shinjo also applauded, saying, "When it's a left-handed pitcher, he hits a lot of balls to center fielder or left field, so since it's his birthday, I said, 'Why don't you try hitting it just before the point of contact and pulling it? Go for it,' and he did it (laughs). Happy birthday."

It was his 26th birthday. The stands were filled with many signs and a celebratory atmosphere. Tamiya said, "Today really felt like a 'birthday celebration' (laughs). So many fans made signs for me, and I was so happy. My parents were here today, so it was great to be able to play in front of them." His goal for when he turns 26 is to become a "cool adult." His ideal person is "someone who is calm and composed." As the linchpin of the team, he will now also be projecting a sense of security.

The team won with walk-off victory, achieving their first nine-game winning streak in 10 years. They increased their lead to a season-high seven games, overtaking Orix Buffaloes to move into third place in the league. They also maintained a 0.5 game difference with the league leader in the interleague series, with the championship decided in the remaining two games. On the victory podium, he said, "I'm very happy that we've been able to win on a winning streak." He also hit a single to left field in the fourth inning, reaching a batting average of .300 despite not meeting the required number of at-bats. The starting catcher, who is trying to break out of the confines of being a young player, is supporting the team both offensively and defensively. (Yasushi Yamaguchi)