Nippon-Ham Fighters Set Historic Record with Four Consecutive First-Inning Home Runs

The Nippon-Ham Fighters made history on July 2, 2026, by becoming the first team in Japanese professional baseball to have their first four batters hit home runs in the opening inning. This remarkable offensive display occurred during their home game at Es Con Field against the Orix Buffaloes.

The unprecedented event saw Shun Mizutani, Tatsuki Mizuno, Franmil Reyes, and Chuusei Manba all connect for home runs consecutively in the bottom of the first inning. The team continued its power surge throughout the game, hitting a total of five home runs and amassing 15 hits to secure a resounding 9-1 victory.

This win marked the Fighters' fifth consecutive victory and highlighted their league-leading offense. The team now boasts 103 home runs for the season, making them the only team in Nippon Professional Baseball to reach the century mark.

Pitcher Kohei Arihara earned his second win of the season and 100th career victory in Japan's professional league, pitching six innings and allowing only one run. For the Orix Buffaloes, starter Kazuma Sato took the loss after giving up four runs without recording an out in the first inning, marking his first defeat of the season.