◇Yokohama DeNA vs. Tohoku Rakuten Eagles "Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026" Game 1 (June 2nd, Yokohama Stadium)

Tohoku Rakuten Eagles 's Hikaru Ito hit a solo home run, his first of the season.

In the top of the 9th inning, with a one-run lead, pinch hitter Hikaru Ito stepped up to the plate as the leadoff batter. On a 1-1 count, he connected with breaking ball from pitcher Koda Nakagawa, sending the ball soaring high towards center fielder field. The ball flew straight into the back screen for his first home run since joining the team.

Hikaru Ito joined Tohoku Rakuten Eagles this season as a free agent. In his first at-bat against his former team, Yokohama DeNA, he hit a home run, his first in two seasons, which helped secure a win for his team.

Written by Aoi Nemoto