2026 PERSOL Climax Series Pacific League First Stage Game 2: Seibu Lions 0-1 Nippon-Ham (11th, Belluna Dome)

Nippon-Ham defeated the Seibu Lions to bring their head-to-head record to one win and one loss. They have now put themselves in a position to pull off a come-from-behind victory at the last minute.

In a tense game where every run mattered, outfielder Chusei Mannami's excellent defense shone through. In the bottom of the 7th inning with a one-run lead and no outs with a runner on first, Mannami made a spectacular catch on a ball hit by Watanabe that was slicing toward the right-field line, crashing into the net next to the bullpen. It was a masterpiece of a fine play that saved the team. 'Since the Seibu Dome has netting, I think I was able to go for it more boldly than usual without being afraid of the wall,' he said with a lively voice.

Mannami, who always visualizes plays near the net, was asked if he went in with the intention of crashing into it. He explained, "Using the net is a more accurate way to put it." Although it was not an easy play, he made a brilliant catch. He said with pride, "When I can get around ahead of a ball slicing away from a right-handed hitter, if I can use the wall with my backside and back, I feel like I can track balls deep that I normally couldn't catch, as long as they don't hit the net."

The team won a close contest to force a deciding game. 'Both games featured very tough starters, but we were able to score off both of them and our starting pitchers held firm, so I think these two games were managed very well,' he said with emphasis.