Softbank Hawks ・ Ryoya Kurihara infielder was named the Pacific League MVP for the Interleague Play on the 18th. He attended a press conference that day after the team’s full practice at Mizuho PayPay Dome. During the Interleague Play, he won two titles—on the 7th Home Run and the 19th RBI. “As for Home Run, I don’t have that many at-bats where I’m specifically aiming for it, but RBI is directly linked to the team’s win. I’m happy I was able to get so many,” he said with a nod.

With a record of 14 wins and 4 losses—a season that saw the team’s winning margin increase by 10—he led the offense.In the game against the Chunichi on the 2nd (Vantelin Dome), he even led the team to victory by recording all three of the team’s RBI. He racked up RBI—more than the number of games played in the interleague series—and expressed his gratitude to his teammates, saying, “RBI isn’t just about me; it’s largely thanks to hitter, who bats ahead of me, getting on base.”

The league season will resume with a three-game series against Nippon-Ham Fighters starting on the 19th (at Escon Stadium). Kurihara, who currently leads Pacific League in both Home Run (19) and RBI (52), said, "I want to hit a home run that will contribute to the team's victory," continuing to give the team momentum.