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

Nippon-Ham's starting pitcher Hiromi Ito was once again struck by an accident. In the fifth inning with no outs and runners on first and second, a line drive from Hirasawa hit directly near his left foot spike. The ball rolled in front of the catcher, and Shindo made a throw to first base, getting the out just in time. Ito jumped up and showed signs of being in pain. He then headed back to the dugout. About five minutes later, he returned to the mound, and after performing a check, he continued pitching.

On this day, in the third inning, he handled a pitcher's grounder from Tonosaki that had irregular spin, and while attempting to touch the hitter-runner himself, an accident occurred, and he retreated to the back of the dugout.