◇Tohoku Rakuten Eagles vs. Orix Buffaloes, Game 18 (13th · Rakuten Eagles Mobile, Strongest Park Miyagi)

A player from Tohoku Rakuten Eagles Kyosuke Kaneko hit his first career home run hit.

Batting ninth in the lineup, first baseman, he made his fourth career start. In the bottom of the fourth inning, with his team trailing by one run and two outs with no runner, he stepped up to the plate for his second at-bat. On the second pitch of the at-bat—a low breaking ball from Raiku Katayama pitcher—he drove the ball over short stop ’s head and into left field.It was a welcome hit in his 11th at-bat, and the stadium erupted in loud applause.

After joining the Tohoku Rakuten Eagles as the 4th-round draft pick from Kanagawa University, he racked up Home Run from the start of the season in the farm league. As of May 14, he had posted a .234 batting average and 7 Home Run, leading to him signing a roster contract on May 15.

◇ Kaneko’s Comments
“I hit a slider. I stepped into the batter’s box thinking, ‘I just have to get on base.’ I’d been getting chances but hadn’t been able to get a hit, so it feels great to finally get one (smiles).”

◇Kaneko’s First Milestones
First Appearance: May 22, 2026, vs. Chiba Lotte Marines
First hit: August 13, 2026, vs. Orix Buffaloes

Text by Harukazu Sonoda