2026 PERSOL Climax Series Pacific League First Stage Game 1: Seibu Lions 3x-2 Nippon-Ham (10th inning, extra inning) - October 10, Belluna Dome

The Seibu Lions secured a walk-off victory against Nippon-Ham, putting them one step away from advancing past the first stage.

It was an even contest from the start. With one out in the first inning, Hirasawa hit a solo home run into the right-field stands to take the lead. It was a spectacular swing that got the game moving in their favor early on.

Taira, who started the game, got off to a great start. He delivered a masterful pitch, mixing fastballs exceeding 150 km/h with splitters and other offerings. He allowed no runs through the first three innings. However, in the fourth inning with a one-run lead and two outs with a runner on second, he gave up a go-ahead two-run home run to Narama into the left-field stands. The game was turned around. He was removed from the mound after throwing 102 pitches over five innings.

After Hirasawa's opening home run, the lineup, which had been struggling against Nippon-Ham starter Arihara, fought back in the fifth inning. After Hasegawa reached base with a safety bunt down the third base line, Nishikawa hit an RBI single to center with one out and a runner on second. They tied the score with this clutch hit.

The game entered an extra inning while still tied. In the 10th inning, they secured a dramatic walk-off win with Canario's solo home run over the left field wall.

Including the Pacific League post season from 2004 to 2006, out of 21 teams in the league that won the first game of the first stage, 17 teams have advanced to the final stage, representing an 81 percent success rate. Everyone worked together to secure a major win toward advancing.