◇ Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters vs. Yomiuri The Giants, "Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026," Game 2 (May 30th, ES CON FIELD)

​Yuya Gunji of Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters hit his fourth home run of the season.

He started the game as the sixth batter and third baseman. In the bottom of the eighth inning, with his team trailing by three runs and one out, he stepped up to the plate for his fourth at-bat and connected with a fastball thrown by pitcher Oosawa. The ball soared towards left field and landed in bullpen. It was his first home run in eight games since the 19th, and it narrowed the deficit to two runs.

Gunji has been struggling this season, batting .229 in 51 games (as of before the game). He will be looking to show signs of recovery during the interleague games and gain momentum for the resumption of the regular season.

Written by Aoi Nishijima