The first stage of the '2026 PERSOL Climax Series Pa' (CS) will open at Belluna Dome on the 10th. Nippon-Ham manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo (54), whose team finished third, is wary of Manager Nishiguchi's poker face. He named the two-way player Leo Shibata (20), who is a pitcher scheduled to appear as a fielder, as the key man, and expressed his hopes for a 'lion hunt' to break through the first stage of the CS for the third consecutive year.

Nippon-Ham manager Shinjo's expression clouded for a moment when asked about his impression of the opposing manager. 'This calmness is scary. That poker face, showing no joy even after a walk-off win, is incredibly eerie,' he said, showing caution toward the Lions, who have surged from last season's 5th place to a 12-12-1 record against his team this season.

The key player designated was the two-way player Shibata. Suggesting his use at first base, it was noted, 'I have high expectations for Shibata, who made his debut as a fielder this year. The lack of data on him might be a strength.' Having made his first professional plate appearance in the game against Hiroshima at Mazda Stadium on June 4, he finished this season with a .355 batting average and 1 Home Run. Expectations are high for the 20-year-old, who is in peak condition after hitting a massive blast into the right-field stands at Es Con Field during the intra-squad game on the 7th.

On this day, Shibata entered first base during sheet fielding practice and focused on the fielder's menu. During free batting, he also showcased an oversized home run to right field. 'I feel a great sense of tension. But conversely, I hope to have fun and play freely as usual without pressure.' It will be his first time facing the opponent's starter, Taira, but he expressed excitement with a mindset unique to a two-way player, saying, 'He is truly a super pitcher. On the contrary, I want to perform like that myself (as a pitcher). It will be a good experience as a batter too.' The 'Lion' of Shinjo's Ham, whose grandfather was a Nishitetsu fan, will lead the lion hunt. (Haruki Kawakami)