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

The fate of Nippon-Ham has been entrusted to pitcher Kota Tatsu (22). In the first game of the '2026 PERSOL Climax Series Pacific First Stage' held at Belluna Dome on the 10th, they suffered a 2-3 walk-off loss to the Seibu Lions. In this stage where the first to win two games advances, a loss in the second game on the 11th will result in their elimination.

Standing on the starting mound in a must-win battle, Tatsu declared, "First, I want to build the game properly with a goal of five innings and zero runs. If things go well, I will also aim for a complete game." Regarding the comeback to break through the first stage for the third consecutive year, he commented, "With the mindset of a challenger, I will focus on pitching without getting too worked up. I will win through this first baseman stage and aim to be number one in Japan."