Dalbec Crushes Two Home Runs as Giants Defeat Yakult 8–2 at Jingu Stadium

The Yomiuri Giants defeated the Tokyo Yakult Swallows 8–2 at Jingu Stadium on July 15, powered by a 12-hit, eight-run offensive performance.

The star of the game was undoubtedly cleanup hitter Bobby Dalbec.

With the Giants trailing by one run in the fourth inning, Shunsuke Urata and Go Matsumoto created a scoring opportunity. Dalbec then launched a three-run home run into the left-center-field stands, giving the Giants a 3–1 lead.

Dalbec struck again in the sixth inning, sending a two-run homer into the right-field seats for his 15th home run of the season.

It was Dalbec’s first two-home-run game in Japan, and the two blasts came in consecutive plate appearances. He drove in five runs and delivered exactly what the Giants needed from their cleanup hitter.

The rest of the lineup also made important contributions.

Urata added an RBI single in the fifth inning. After Dalbec’s second home run in the sixth, Misaki Sasahara drove in another run with a timely hit. In the seventh, Yuta Izuguchi hit an RBI double off the left-field wall.

Matsumoto finished the game with three hits. His single in the fourth inning put runners on first and third, setting the stage for Dalbec’s go-ahead home run.

Starting pitcher Yuyo Nishidate also delivered an excellent performance.

Nishidate allowed a solo home run to Domingo Santana in the third inning but remained composed and kept the Swallows under control for the rest of his outing. He allowed just one run on four hits over seven innings, struck out five batters, and earned his second victory of the season.

One of the most important moments came in the bottom of the fourth. After the Giants had taken the lead, Nishidate retired the side in order and prevented Yakult from regaining any momentum.

It was a convincing victory that erased the disappointment of the previous night’s loss.

Dalbec’s two powerful home runs, Nishidate’s strong pitching, and a 12-hit performance from the lineup combined to produce one of the Giants’ most satisfying wins of the season.

The series is now tied at one game apiece. The Giants will look to carry this momentum into the next game and secure a series victory at Jingu Stadium.

Let’s go, Giants!

Game Result

July 15, 2026
Jingu Stadium

Yomiuri Giants 8–2 Tokyo Yakult Swallows

Winning pitcher: Yuyo Nishidate (2–1)
Home runs: Bobby Dalbec, No. 14 three-run homer and No. 15 two-run homer