This project looks back on the 2026 season of the Pacific League warriors. From the Chiba Lotte Marines, who faced this season under a new system led by first-year manager Saburo, we will look back on the performances of two relievers who won their first titles: pitcher Rikuto Yokoyama and pitcher Shota Suzuki.

The first title earned through a full-throttle season with over 50 appearances.

pitcher, who took on the role of team captain in the 2025 offseason, has truly become a key player for the team this season. He immediately earned a save in the opening game on March 27th, and continued to perform steadily in March and April, allowing only two runs in 12 appearances. On April 29th, he achieved a "three-pitch save," retiring three hitter with just three pitches, setting a record that only the second time in NPB history and the first time in Pacific League League has done so.

Subsequently, in May, he recorded 11 saves in 12 appearances, breaking the team's monthly record. He contributed saves to 11 of the team's 12 wins, demonstrating his strength in games that were often decided by close margins. In June, he had fewer appearances, only 9, but he was in good form with no runs allowed and Avg of .074. In July, he made his first appearance in the "Mynavi All-Star Game 2026". In the second half of the season, he struggled in some games where he was hit hard, but in his final game of the season, his 56th game, he recorded a save, tying him for the league lead with 35 and securing his first title.

pitcher Suzuki, who won his first best reliever award, had moments where he gave up consecutive runs early on, but from mid-April, he supported the team with stable pitch, recording 13 consecutive scoreless games. In May, he was in top form, allowing only 1 runs in 9 games, and earned 3 wins while often appearing in tied games or narrow deficits. Although his form dipped slightly in June, he was selected by fan vote for the All-Star game in July, marking his second appearance.

In August, he regained his stability, posting an ERA of 0.90 over 10 appearances. On August 21, in the top of the 10th inning with the score tied, he delivered a great relief performance by struck out three consecutive batters, and immediately after, Koki Yamaguchi hit a walk-off, earning him his 6th win of the season. He continued to accumulate hold steadily in September, ultimately finishing with 55 appearances, second only to pitcher Yokoyama, and a league-leading tie of 33 hold. Combined with his 6 wins in relief, he secured his first title with 39 hold points.

◇Rikuto Yokoyama pitcher 2026 stats
56 games 3 wins 4 losses 7 holds 35 saves 54.1 innings pitched 38 strike outs, ERA 2.82 WHIP 1.21

◇Shota Suzuki pitcher 2026 stats
55 games 6 wins 3 losses 33 holds 1 save 52.2 innings pitched 43 strike outs, ERA 2.39 WHIP 1.04