Uchiyama’s dramatic walk-off
On July 24, 2026 at Jingu Stadium, Yakult infielder Sōma Uchiyama (24) — starting at second and batting seventh — hit a walk-off two‑run homer to left‑center in the 12th inning to decide the game versus Hiroshima. The win ended Yakult’s string of extra‑inning losses this season; Hirozawa was the winning pitcher (3–1). Uchiyama celebrated on the podium with the chant “I’m back!” and held up injured catcher Yūhei Nakamura’s jersey to share the moment with fans.
Kohama’s first HR is the game-winner
On July 24, 2026 at Koshien Stadium, Yomiuri rookie (5th‑round pick) Yūto Kohama (24) delivered his first career home run — a two‑run blast to left‑center in the top of the 10th off Iwasaki — giving the Giants the go‑ahead runs. It was his 14th game and 35th plate appearance; the timely first homer came on a high‑stakes, first‑place matchup and provided the decisive margin.
Kurihara reaches 30 homers
On July 24, 2026 at Belluna Dome versus Seibu, SoftBank’s Ryōya Kurihara (30) hit a go‑ahead three‑run homer in the fourth inning to reach his 30th home run of the season — the earliest any player in either league has reached 30 this year. SoftBank won 7–3; Kurihara said he felt good about the milestone and aims to keep adding homers toward 40 one at a time.