2026 PERSOL Climax Series Pacific League First Stage Game 1: Seibu Lions vs. Nippon-Ham (10th, Belluna Dome)

Nippon-Ham's two-way player Leo Shibata (20), a pitcher, recorded his first CS hit. Appearing in the starting line-up as the 'number 2, first baseman,' he hit a single to center field off Taira in his second at-bat with one out in the third inning. On a 2-0 count, he caught an outside change-up and dropped it into left-center while losing his balance.

When asked about his impression of Taira after practice on the 9th, Shibata said, 'He is truly a super pitcher. On the contrary, I would like to perform like that myself (as a pitcher). It will also be a good experience for me as a batter.'

On the 9th, Manager Shinjo expressed his expectations, saying, 'Shibata-kun. There is no data on him, right? I can also expect home runs. I feel like he can handle fast pitchers as well.'