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

Seibu Lions outfielder Shinya Hasegawa, who received a Hit by Pitch near the back of his left hand in the game against Nippon-Ham on the previous day, the 11th, performed free batting during pre-game practice on the 12th. He swung carefully as if to check the sensation.

In the previous day's game, with no outs and a runner on second in the fifth inning while trailing by one run, Hasegawa was struck directly near the back of his left hand by a breaking ball that slipped. He was removed from the game starting from his at-bat in the seventh inning. After the match, Manager Nishiguchi explained his condition, saying, 'There were no issues regarding his defense, but he is having difficulty applying power when hitting. It is the impact of the Hit by Pitch.'

This is a crucial match where a win or a draw will see them through the first stage of the Climax Series, while a loss means elimination. All eyes are on the 24-year-old who has made a significant leap forward this season.