◆ Pacific League League: Rakuten Eagles (19th, ZOZO Marine Stadium)
Lotte's Aito outfielder (29) played starting line-up as the 9th batter and center fielder. With the score tied 4-4 in the sixth inning with two outs and bases loaded, he hit his first bases loaded homer to left field off Shibata, the third pitcher in Rakuten Eagles.
His first home run in three years, since his time with Seibu Lions in 2023, was a grand slam—his first career home run. He delivered a massive hit in front of Rakuten's manager Rakuten Eagles, who had managed Lotte until last season.
![[Video] Overwhelming number of applicants wanting to join!? Nogizaka baseball Club makes an appearance on ZOZO](https://hochi.news/images/2026/03/29/20260329-OHT1I51303-L.jpg)
![[Scoreboard] Lotte vs. Rakuten Eagles](/asset/img/news/source/logo_hochi.png){kind=logo}
![[Lotte] Koki Yamaguchi hits a game-tying solo home run in the 4th inning, his 9th of the season. He says, "Let's take the lead next time!"](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/19/20260619-OHT1I51476-C.jpg)
![[Rakuten Eagles] In the first game under new manager Yoshihito Yoshii, they gave up a bases loaded slam, falling behind after initially leading by three runs.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/19/20260619-OHT1I51529-C.jpg)
![[Rakuten Eagles] New manager Masato Yoshii takes to ground for his first game, clashing with his former team, Lotte, at their home field from last year... an unusual mid-season appointment.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/19/20260619-OHT1I51240-C.jpg)
![[Lotte] Aito's grand slam in the final gives them a one-Rakuten Eagles lead for the first time since April 3rd, putting Rakuten's new manager off to a rough start.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/19/20260619-OHT1I51555-L.jpg)
![[Rakuten Eagles] In the first game under new manager Yoshihito Yoshii, they gave up a bases loaded slam, falling behind after initially leading by three runs.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/19/20260619-OHT1I51529-L.jpg)
