Yuta Nakamura records first win after transfer
Saitama Seibu pitcher Yuta Nakamura recorded his first win since joining the team on July 20, appearing in a bullpen-day game at Rakuten Mobile Park and throwing two scoreless innings. Before 24,459 spectators, Seibu took a 5-4 victory—highlighted by Koga Yuto’s three-run homer and Nishikawa Aiya’s solo shot—giving the team a winning result in three straight series.
Yoshihiro Maru reaches 2,000 career games
Yoshihiro Maru of the Yomiuri Giants reached the 2,000-game milestone on July 20 in the game against Hiroshima. At Tokyo Dome before 42,244 fans, the Giants won 3-1; Maru appeared as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning to record the career landmark. The team’s win was supported by a strong outing from the starting pitcher.
Neftalí Soto extends double-digit HR streak to nine years
Neftalí Soto of the Chiba Lotte Marines hit a solo home run in the eighth inning on July 20 at ZOZO Marine to reach his 10th homer of the season, marking his ninth consecutive year with double-digit home runs since arriving in Japan. The game drew 28,644 spectators and Lotte fell 4-5, but Soto’s power again stood out in the lineup.