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.