◇ Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters vs. Yomiuri The Giants "Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026" Game 3 (May 31st, ES CON FIELD)

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham 's Yuya Gunji hit a two-run RBI single to give his team the lead.

Gunji, who hit his fourth home run of the season (his first hit of the interleague series) in the previous day's game, started starting line-up as the "number 2 batter and third baseman." In the bottom of the 3rd inning, with both teams scoreless, Hokkaido Nippon-Ham created a scoring opportunity when Taiki Narama and Tatsuki Mizuno hit consecutive singles with two outs. With two outs and runners on second and third base, Gunji connected with a changeup, change-up go-to pitch from opposing pitcher Takemaru pitcher, on a 2-2 count. The ball soared high towards left field and hit wall, allowing two runners to score. They had scored the first run in five games.

Opposing starting pitcher Takemaru is a first-round draft pick rookie, but he's already a good pitcher has earned win against five teams in Central League. In an effort to prevent a third consecutive loss in the same series, Gunji showed his authority against the rookie left-hander making his first appearance on the road.

Written by Ao Yokoyama