◇ Hokkaido Nippon-Ham vs. Yokohama DeNA BayStars, "Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026," Game 2 (June 10th, ES CON FIELD)

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters' Ruan Ohtsuka hit a Home Run for the second consecutive game, launching a go-ahead blast against a strong pitcher.

Draft pick number 3 rookie Otsuka started in starting line-up second consecutive game. With no runners on base for either team, he stepped up to the plate as the leadoff hitter in the bottom of the 3rd inning. On the 0-1 count, opposing pitcher Yutaro Ishida threw the second pitch, sinker, which was a bit high in the strike zone. Otsuka didn't miss the opportunity, pulling the ball sharply, and it flew into bullpen in the right field stands.

Otsuka responded to the coaching staff's trust by hitting his third home run of the season, his second in two consecutive games. He showed no fear against the ground Home Run, who boasts the fifth-best ERA Central League at 1.93 and has allowed only one home run in 10 starts, giving his team the lead for the fourth consecutive game.

* pitcher Yu Ishida's statistics are as of before the game.

Written by Ao Yokoyama