2026 PERSOL Climax Series Pacific League First Stage Game 3: Seibu Lions vs. Nippon-Ham (12th, Belluna Dome)

Seibu Lions pitcher Chihiro Sumida, who had a bruised left arm, entered the bullpen. A batted ball hit his left arm directly during the game against the Rakuten Eagles on September 28th (Belluna Dome). While he had been waiting to recover as the swelling was slow to subside, he was finally able to conduct full-scale pitch practice. 'The ball speed was 5 or 6 kilometers faster than usual, so I feel like my body has been refreshed,' he said, appearing to have also recovered from fatigue. He also checked his breaking balls and expressed confidence, saying, 'Regarding the fork, since it is a ball you throw by gripping it between your fingers, I was anxious at first, but today the fork was the best of all, so I am relieved.'

If they win or draw the third game of the Climax Series on the 12th, their trip to Fukuoka, where the Softbank Hawks are waiting, will be decided. The left-hander, who is expected to pitch in the final stage, expressed his determination, saying, 'Since they have a two-game advantage, we are at a significant disadvantage. However, I believe the more we win, the more pressure will build up on them. It is important to see how much we can win at the start, so if I pitch there, I want to focus on the results and win.'