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.

With the score tied 0-0 in the fifth inning and two outs with a runner on second, Nomura, batting leadoff, hit a timely doble to left-center to take the lead. This turned out to be the game-winning hit.

Starting pitcher Tatsu delivered a strong performance, throwing 89 pitches over 6 innings with 3 hits and 0 runs to lead the team to a win. From the 7th inning, Fukushima, Hori, and Yanagawa took over in relief to secure the victory.

After the game, Manager Shinjo lamented the high number of errors, saying, 'Five errors. We won't get stronger like this. I'm surprised we won.' However, with the series now tied at one win each, he spoke with excitement about the upcoming deciding game, stating, 'Tomorrow will be another interesting battle, and I think it will be the most thrilling moment yet.'

The starter Tatsu delivered a brilliant performance, meeting all expectations. The manager praised him, saying, 'The biggest factor was truly that Tatsu-kun stayed on the mound without being pulled in the early innings.'

Although errors occurred throughout the game, there was also a series of good defense. Kotaro Kiyomiya saved the team in the sixth inning with two outs and runners on first and second by making a diving catch on a line drive hit by Ishii. Manager Shinjo brushed it off, saying, "Isn't that just normal?"

Nomura, who hit the game-winning run, lived up to his role as the leadoff hitter. With a smile, he said, 'I just felt like I was the one who was going to hit it. That's all there is to it.'