[Rakuten Eagles] Kosei Shoji leaves the game after giving up 4 runs in 5 innings, unable to hold onto the lead. “I’m sorry.” They succumbed to another home run barrage… New manager Masato Yoshii’s first game.
Sports Hochi
June 19, 2026 20:30
◆ Pacific League League: Rakuten Eagles (19th, ZOZO Marine Stadium)
Rakuten Eagles pitcher Kosei Shoji started the game against Lotte but was pulled after 5 innings, having given up 5 hit 4 runs.
In the second inning, with a two-run lead, he gave up a solo home run to Sato to right field. In the third inning, with a three-run lead immediately after his teammates added two more runs, he surrendered a two doble to Soto that broke through left-center field. In the fourth inning, with a one-run lead, he allowed a solo home run to Yamaguchi, tying the game. The right-hander, who had been giving up a lot of home runs in recent games, was once again overwhelmed by a barrage of home runs. He commented, “I’m sorry that I couldn’t hold onto the lead after my teammates scored runs for me.”
This match was the first under new manager Masato Yoshii. The team was unable to perform at their best under the new coach.
AloJapan.com