◆ Making a strong impression in the crucial third match! "I think they were really waiting for this moment."

Nippon-Ham Naoki Arizono started as the leadoff hitter and third baseman in the game against Rakuten Eagles on the 26th. He had a great game with 3 hit and 2 RBI, including his first professional Home Run.

Arizono, who was promoted to the first team on the 22nd, made a strong impression in the crucial third game. On the 26th, Fuji TV ONE's "Pro baseball News 2026" MC Tomotaka Sakaguchi introduced him as "the first professional hitter, a future slugger candidate, whom manager Shinjo said looked like (Rakuten Eagles 's) McCusker," to which commentator Yutaka Takagi added, "I think he looks like Reyes. He has had solid results in the farm league, so I think everyone has been waiting for this moment, and it feels like it all came together at once." Sakaguchi nodded in agreement, saying, "His swing is strong too."

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"