◇Hokkaido Nippon-Ham vs Orix Game 22 (19th, ES CON FIELD)

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham's Leo Shibata hit his first professional Home Run.

Shibata, who was in the starting line-up for the first time in three games as the "No. 2 DH," hit a doble in his second at-bat to create a scoring opportunity. Then, in the bottom of the 6th inning trailing by one run, he led off the inning in his third at-bat. With a count of 3-1, he drove a breaking ball from the opposing starter Espinoza into the right-field stands, temporarily leveling the game with his first professional Home Run.

With his first professional Home Run hit at his home stadium, he also recorded his first RBI. Shibata, a two-way player, has appeared in 8 games as a pitcher this season with an ERA of 2.03, but in this game, he is showing his presence with the bat.

◇Leo Shibata's First Records
First Appearance: July 26, 2025 vs Chiba Lotte Marines
First hit: September 9, 2026 vs Fukuoka Softbank
First Home Run: September 19, 2026 vs Orix Buffaloes
First RBI: September 19, 2026 vs Orix Buffaloes

Text by Yui Kayama