◇ Saitama Seibu Lions vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham "2026 PERSOL Climax Series Pa" first baseman stage Game 2 (11th, Belluna Dome)

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham's Yuki Nomura hit a timely doble to break the deadlock.

With both teams lacking a decisive hit, the game remained 0-0 heading into the top of the 5th inning. Lead-off hitter Yua Tamiya reached base with a hit and advanced to second base during a battery error, but the next two batters were retired, resulting in two outs. Yuki Nomura, who came to the plate here, caught a breaking ball from opposing starting pitcher Kona Takahashi on a full count, and the ball split left-center field. The runner on second base scored on this hit, providing a precious opening run.

Yuki Nomura did not have an appearance in Game 1, but in this game where there was no tomorrow for advancing to the Final Stage, he brilliantly responded to being named in the starting line-up as the "No. 1 third baseman."

Text by Aoi Nemoto