Shohei Tateyama and Akihiko Oya, who appeared on "Pro baseball News 2026" broadcast on Fuji TV ONE on the 23rd, commented on Softbank Hawks 's Yuki Yanagita.

In that day’s game against the Orix Buffaloes, Yanagida started on the bench and came in as a pinch hitter in the top of the 9th inning with the score tied 5–5 and one out bases loaded. Yanagida Ren Mukunoki hit a walk-off that sent the ball center fielder off the third pitch fastball thrown by strike with a 1-ball count . He delivered a spectacular result in just one at-bat.

Tateyama commented, "In a situation where he absolutely wanted to hit sacrifice fly he fouled off one pitch, but he was determined not to foul off the second one. He has plenty of distance and power, and he's really 37 years old. He's improving year by year."

Mr. Oya smiled and said, "We intentional walk walked Yanagida with runners on second and third base. We had anticipated this and kept him in the game. He's an amazing batter who can perform well in situations like this."

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"