◇ Yokohama DeNA vs. Tohoku Rakuten Eagles "Nippon Life Interleague 2026" Second Round (3rd, Yokohama Stadium)

​Tatsuki Koja pitcher from Kanagawa Prefecture delivered a strong performance in his hometown.

pitcher Koja, making his first appearance against Yokohama DeNA, got off to a brilliant start, allowing only one Walk to reach base after three innings. In the bottom of the 4th, in his first critical situation with no outs and runners on first and second, he retired Yoshitomo Tsutsugo with a swinging struck out. With two outs and runners on first and third, Daiki Mimori also closer struck out.

On that day, he threw 102 pitches over 6 innings, throwing 2 hit, 1 Walk, 5 strike out without runs. He played the pitcher game against Yokohama DeNA's starter Yutaro Ishida pitcher, fulfilling his role as a starter.

◇ Koja pitcher Comments
"I think I was in good form. Thanks to the defense of the fielder players, I was able to switch my mindset and pitch even when I was in trouble. His fastball and pitch count still have a long way to go, but I'm glad he didn't have to pitch weird in his hometown."

Text by Ayako Kikuchi