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

Seibu Lions pitcher Taishi Mameda recorded his first win in his first CS appearance. He took the mound in the top of the 10th extra inning with the score tied 2-2. 'I wasn't particularly over-eager; I was nervous as usual, but I was able to step onto the mound with a good feeling,' he said. He retired the heart of the lineup in just six pitches, getting the third batter Reyes to ground out to short, the fourth batter Mannami to ground out to second, and the fifth batter Yazawa to fly out to left. Wiping away sweat, he remarked, 'Overall, I was able to push through with my fastball, so I'm glad I could fully demonstrate my strengths today.'

There was a reason he was able to approach the game with a calm mind. Koga, his battery partner, told him regarding the leadoff hitter Reyes, "Don't go in too easy; a Walk is fine at worst." It was predictable that if he issued a Walk, Isohata would be called in as a pinch runner. His catcher encouraged him by saying, "Isohata will come in next as a pinch runner, but I'll throw him out," and he expressed his gratitude, saying, "Those words made it much easier for me to pitch."

In the bottom of the 10th inning, Canario hit a dramatic walk-off home run, and although a win for his first CS appearance came his way, he emphasized that the victory was a result of the entire pitching staff working together, saying, "Regarding today, I think it's a win earned not just by me, but by the entire team and all the reliever together. The win was just credited to me personally, so I'm not that concerned about it as a pitcher."

At this time last season, he was preparing for the Puerto Rican Winter League. One year later, the right-hander, who now supports the bullpen as an indispensable member of the team, said with deep emotion, "I couldn't have imagined this for myself last year. I think others probably feel the same way. It feels strange to be pitching in the situations I am in now." Now in his sixth year after joining the team as the fourth developmental draft pick, his growth is accelerating rapidly.