◇Tohoku Rakuten Eagles vs. Yomiuri The Giants "Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026" Game 1 (9th, Rakuten Eagles Mobile Saikyo Park Miyagi)

Tohoku Rakuten Eagles 's Kengo Horiuchi recorded his first hit first run of the season.

In the bottom of the 7th inning, with the team trailing by 6 runs and one out with no runner on base, he came in as a pinch hitter. He connected with the first pitch thrown by opposing pitcher Takahiro Norimoto, sending the ball down the right field line. Following that, Daisuke Nakashima hit doble, and then Naoki Sato hit a two-run doble, bringing the score to within 2 runs.

Horiuchi was promoted to the first team for the first time this season on May 22nd, but has gone hit in 6 At Bat-bats so far. Last season, he played in a career-high 76 games and hit 3 Home Run, including his first professional Home Run. He will be looking to continue to impress and increase his playing opportunities from here on out.

Written by Yokazu Sonoda