2026 PERSOL Climax Series Pacific League First Stage Game 3: Seibu Lions 1-4 Nippon-Ham (12th, Belluna Dome)

Second-place Seibu Lions lost consecutive games to third-place Nippon-Ham, missing out on advancing to the Climax Series Final Stage. Despite winning the first game with a walk-off victory, they suffered a painful series of losses at their home stadium, and their season came to an end.

Starting pitcher Takeuchi lacked stability. In the second inning, he allowed an RBI single to Nomura, who had hit the game-winner in Game 2, and in the fourth inning, he gave up a massive solo home run to Mannami. He surrendered the lead after giving up three runs in five innings.

The lineup failed to capitalize on opportunities, hitting into double plays in two consecutive innings in the 3rd and 4th, and ended up with only one run from a sacrifice fly even during a golden opportunity with the bases loaded and one out in the 5th.

Although the team made a great leap from 5th place last season to 2nd place, they failed to reach the final stage. Manager Nishiguchi felt the weight of their challenges, stating, 'That one crucial hit, performance with runners in scoring position... our team's batting average in scoring positions is low, so we must thoroughly sharpen our clutch hitting.' While he praised the players for their progress, saying, 'Considering where we were last year, they really worked hard,' he also acknowledged, 'There is still a gap in strength.' He added with conviction, 'We are strengthening our physical conditioning, but that alone cannot bridge the gap,' and candidly admitted, 'Increasing extra-base hits is a challenge—or rather, it is difficult.'