◇ Chiba Lotte Marines Against Yokohama DeNA 'Nippon Life Interleague 2026' First Round (12th, Zozo Marine Stadium)

Chiba Lotte Marines Soto hit his sixth solo homer, tying the score against his former team. With his 201st career Home Run, he became the 50th player in history to achieve the 12-team Home Run.

In the bottom of the fourth, with the team trailing by one run, Soto came to his second at-bat with one out. On the first pitch, thrown by the opposing starter Daisei Irie pitcher, fastball came in a bit too weak, and he didn't miss it. The hit that made a pleasant sound went straight toward left-center direction. The moment he hit, the decisive shot flew into the terrace seats of the left field stand.

　Koki Yamaguchi Following the player, Soto went on a one-off offensive to bring the match back to square one. This was his first Home Run in his third year after transferring from his former team, Yokohama DeNA. This season, Tohoku Rakuten Eagles Hikaru Ito hit Home Run against the same team on the 2nd, marking Home Run against 12 teams. Interleague play has set a record rush.

◇ Comment from Soto
"I hit straight. I was planning to go aggressive against the zone. His batting has been going well lately, so I was able to hit with a pleasant feel. Of course, I know the The BayStars players, but I don't think it's just because it's a The BayStars match—I think I just do my job just like when I'm facing other teams."

Text by Ao Yokoyama