◇ Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters vs. Chunichi "Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026," Game 2 (May 13th, ES CON FIELD)

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham 's Yua Tamiya hit his third home run of the season, a much-needed additional run. He is leading the team both offensively and defensively.

Today, June 13th, is his 26th birthday. Starting as the sixth batter and catcher, he recorded his fourth consecutive hit in his second at-bat in the bottom of the fourth inning. In the bottom of the eighth inning, with one out, he came up to bat for the fourth time and connected with the first pitch from the fourth pitcher, Yuki Hashimoto. The ball soared high towards right-center field and hit the top of wall. It was initially ruled in play, but after a replay review, it was Home Run.

On the defensive side, starting pitcher Ren Fukushima runs seven innings, allowing only one run, for the third consecutive game. He has been assisting his battery partner, with whom he has formed a high-quality start (HQS) in the last four games. Will the performance of Tamiya, who is in good form with a monthly batting average of .421 in June (as of before the game), be the key to moving up in the standings?

Written by Ao Yokoyama