◆Nippon Life Central-Pacific Interleague Series 2026 Hanshin Tigers 10–3 Rakuten Eagles (17th · Koshien)

Rakuten Eagles lost to Hanshin Tigers, finishing the interleague series in last place with a record of 4 wins and 14 losses.

Rakuten Eagles 's Kenta Maeda, pitcher started the game aiming for his first win in 3911 days in NPB, was pulled after 5 innings, having given up 4 hit 2 runs.

In the bottom of the second inning, with no outs and a runner on first base, and the score still 0-0, the pitcher threw his second pitch to Hanshin Tigers 's Oyama. The curveball was hit into the left field stands, giving Hanshin the lead. Standing stunned on mound, he regretted the unfortunate pitch, saying, "I wasted that one pitch to Oyama."

Nevertheless, he mixed his fastest 151 km/h fastball with splitter, slider, and sinker, and managed to get through the rest of the inning without giving up any runs.

A pinch hitter was sent in during the sixth inning, and he was replaced after throwing 75 pitches.

The bullpen also faltered, allowing Hanshin Tigers to extend their lead. Fujiwara, the first pick in the draft, came in as the second pick from the sixth inning and threw the first inning 2-hit 2-2 runs. Third place Song also lost two points.

The batting lineup was held scoreless by opposing starter Otake, managing only three hit through six innings. They finally scored three runs in the eighth inning, but were pulled away from in the bottom of the inning, ending their interleague series with a loss.

Manager Hajime Miki, who had been on leave since the 10th, has resigned. Interim manager Tatsuya Shiokawa, who took charge during this time, has a record of 2 wins and 4 losses. New manager Masato Yoshii is scheduled to take charge from the game against Lotte on the 19th (at ZOZO Marine Stadium). This game marks the end of the interleague series.