Here’s a look at how the Chiba Lotte Marines fared last week and what’s on the horizon for the upcoming week, along with a team-by-team snapshot of where each club stands in the Pacific League. Our beat reporters selected each team’s MVP from the previous week, highlight key storylines for the coming days, and provide updates on roster moves, farm system action, and team events.
**Chiba Lotte Marines**
– **Last Week’s MVP:** Given the tough Golden Week stretch, the Marines’ win over the SoftBank Hawks on May 9 was especially significant. Catcher Toshiya Sato (28) delivered his second two-homer game of the season—his first since April 25 against SoftBank—leveling the contest in the late innings. In the ninth, closer Rikuto Yokoyama (24), who had suffered a walk-off loss the night before, erased that nightmare with a scoreless inning to snap the team’s losing streak. (Reported by Minaho Hoshi)
– **This Week’s Spotlight:** All eyes will be on pitcher Kazuki Kojima (29) as he seeks his first win of the season. In his return to the first team after about a month, Kojima threw seven innings of three-run ball on six hits against Orix on May 4, showing he had regained his usual form despite not earning the win. In the batter’s box, infielder Ryusei Ogawa (28) has been red-hot, extending his hitting streak to eight games since May 2. His reliable glove has also been a big help to the pitching staff, and he’ll look to continue making an impact on both sides of the ball this week.
– **Roster & Farm News:** First-round draft pick Genki Ishigaki (18, from Kenkō Takasaki High School) made his debut at ZOZO Marine Stadium in the farm team’s game against the Yomiuri Giants on May 9. The right-hander allowed one run on one hit and three walks over 2/3 of an inning, gaining valuable experience. Meanwhile, pitcher Jose Castillo (30, formerly of the Orioles), who had been sidelined with a left hamstring strain, returned to action in the same game, pitching one inning and giving up two runs on one hit and two walks.
– **Team Event Info:** During the series against the Orix Buffaloes from May 15–17, the Marines will hold a special “Pokémon Baseball Festa 2026: Putting 30 Years of Memories into the Ball” themed event. The team will wear special caps combining the club’s “M” logo with Pikachu. Before the games, staff will throw autographed Monster Ball–style baseballs into the stands.
[Pacific League] Last Week’s MVP & This Week’s Outlook: Orix’s “Good Luck Bug” Effect?
[Central League] Last Week’s MVP & This Week’s Outlook: Yakult’s Taiya Yamano and Hanshin’s Haruto Takahashi Set for Rematch on May 13
