◆ "LUXAS Samurai Japan Series 2026" Chunichi 7-3 Japan (28th, Vantelin Dome)

Samurai Japan's second pitcher, Chihiro Sumida (26) of Seibu Lions, went from being losing pitcher with one pitch to becoming win pitcher with one hit and one hit runs in the first inning.

He took to mound in the fourth inning, succeeding starter Ito (Nippon-Ham) with the score tied at 2-2. However, his first pitch, a 151 km/h fastball, was hit into the left field stands by Chunichi 's Hosokawa, and he instinctively bit his lip on mound.

fork Nevertheless, after getting three consecutive outs, including a strikeout struck out from Vossler, the Samurai hitters scored five runs in the 5th inning off Sakamoto (Hanshin Tigers), Koen (Hiroshima), and others. The white star rolled in for Sumida.

He is a left-handed pitcher who starts for Seibu Lions, but in the WBC he is likely to pitch as the "second starter." He gave runs in the game where he pitched as the second pitcher, just like in the tournament, which leaves some concerns. After the game, he expressed regret, saying, "I wish I could have gotten a few more strikeouts."

"I got hit on the first pitch, so rather than switching gears, I made sure to pitch at my own rhythm," he reflected, adding, "I didn't think too much about that (being used as reliever pitcher). From now on (in preparation for the tournament), I want to carefully look at the opponents' data and come up with a strategy." Will he be able to become a "lucky boy" at the WBC as well?