◆ Pacific League: Softbank Hawks vs. Rakuten Eagles (October 10th, Mizuho PayPay)
Softbank Hawks pitcher Ryosuke Otsu gave up a go-ahead solo home run in the fourth inning.
In the fourth inning, with the score tied 1-1, Otsu faced McCusker as the leadoff batter. McCusker connected with a fastball after a 1-ball, 1-strike. Left fielder Kondo didn't move an inch as the ball landed in the left field stands. In their first encounter in the second inning, McCusker had also hit a solo home run over left field on the first pitch, resulting in Otsu giving up home runs in two consecutive at-bats. The moment the ball was hit, Otsu crouched down, showing his frustration.
![[Video] Kondo's hit is a perfect shot and flies into the right field stands. Fans cheer for the Home Run.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/07/05/20260705-OHT1I51197-C.jpg)
![[Scoreboard] Softbank Hawks vs. Rakuten Eagles](https://hochi.news/assets/v2/img/hochi_news_sns.png)
![[Rakuten Eagles] This is what a foreign player is all about! McCusker hits a stunning 130-meter home run, tying the game off Ryosuke Otsu with a batted ball speed exceeding 180 km/h.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/07/10/20260710-OHT1I51439-L.jpg)
![[Rakuten Eagles] Urena has finally rejoined the first team and is a strong candidate to start in the three-game series Softbank Hawks Tatsuki Koja has also rejoined the team after being sidelined due to lower body stiffness.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/07/10/20260710-OHT1I51265-L.jpg)
![[Softbank Hawks] Ryosuke Otsu leaves the game with a chance to earn his career-high 8th win, after a strong performance of 7 innings and 1 runs, which also helped his teammates stage a comeback victory.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/07/02/20260702-OHT1I51462-L.jpg)
