On October 12th from 14:00, the 3rd game of the "2026 PERSOL Climax Series Pa" first baseman stage between Saitama Seibu Lions and Hokkaido Nippon-Ham will be held at Belluna Dome.

【Head-to-head record】Saitama Seibu Lions (2nd) vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham (3rd) 1 win, 1 loss

【Probable Starters】
Saitama Seibu Lions: Natsuki Takeuchi pitcher 23 games 11 wins 8 losses, ERA 3.27
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham: Hiromi Ito pitcher 26 games 10 wins 10 losses, ERA 3.18

For Saitama Seibu Lions, pitcher Natsuki Takeuchi will start on 5 days' rest. In the final game of the regular season against Chiba Lotte Marines on the 6th, he pitched well, allowing 0 runs on 3 hit with 4 strike out. He also reached the regulation innings pitched for the first time in two years. This season against Hokkaido Nippon-Ham, he struggled slightly in 3 starts with 1 win, 2 losses, and an ERA of 4.15, but can he fulfill his role in his first-ever "PERSOL CS Pa" start and secure a spot in the Final Stage?

In contrast, Hokkaido Nippon-Ham is scheduled to start pitcher Hiromi Ito. In his final season appearance on September 26th, he showcased a good tempo pitch, allowing 0 runs on 4 hit with 0 walks or Hit by Pitch and 6 strike out. He has started 8 times against Saitama Seibu Lions this season, recording an ERA of 2.48 and achieving a QS in every outing. He aims to keep the game competitive even in this big match and break through the first baseman stage with two consecutive wins.

In the lineup, Yua Tamiya recorded 2 hit in the previous game. In his second at-bat, he reached base with a hit, creating a chance for the opening run.

Text by Aoi Nemoto