NPB Results: Sunday, April 5, 2026
A Sunday full of milestones and storylines. The Fighters completed a three-game sweep, and multiple records were achieved across both leagues.
Central League
Giants 3-2 DeNA (Tokyo Dome)
Giants pitcher Inoue Haruto struck out 8 batters in 7 innings of one-run ball, earning his first win in 225 days. The Giants took the series 2-1 at Tokyo Dome.
Swallows 7-5 Dragons (Jingu Stadium)
Former development squad pitcher Hirosawa earned his first career NPB win as the Swallows scored 7 to take the series at Jingu Stadium. A great story for the second-year player.
Carp 2-1 Tigers (MAZDA Stadium)
The Carp salvaged the final game 2-1, preventing a Tigers sweep at MAZDA Stadium in Hiroshima.
Pacific League
Fighters 8-2 Buffaloes (ES CON Field)
Veteran pitcher Arihara Kohei earned his first victory since returning to NPB, as the Fighters completed a dominant three-game sweep at ES CON Field. The Fighters outscored the Buffaloes 26-8 across the series. Buffaloes manager Kishida lamented his team conceding 26 runs and 6 home runs over three games.
Lions 1-1 Eagles (Belluna Dome) — 12 innings, draw
A marathon 12-inning contest ended in a 1-1 draw. Eagles' first-round draft pick Fujiwara Sota pitched 5 innings of 1-run ball but lamented giving up his first professional home run. Lions veteran Sotozaki Shuta recorded his 1,000th career hit — the 327th player in NPB history to achieve the milestone.
Marines 3-4 Hawks (ZOZO Marine Stadium)
The Hawks edged the Marines 4-3 to take the series 2-1. The Marines created a chance with runners on first and third with one out in the 9th, but couldn't complete the comeback.
Key Takeaway
The Fighters' dominant sweep, Arihara's emotional comeback win, Sotozaki's 1,000th hit milestone, and Hirosawa's first career win made this a Sunday of memorable achievements across NPB.