◇Saitama Seibu Lions vs Yokohama DeNA Open Match (22nd, Belluna Dome)

Saitama Seibu Lions 's Chihiro Sumida pitcher pitched 47 pitches in 4 innings, 1 hit 1 Walk 2 strike out no runs.

Sumida joined the team on the 18th and made his first actual appearance since returning to Japan from the "2026 WORLD BASEBALL™ CLASSIC", pitcher. In the first inning, he hit a three-way retirement with only 8 pitches. In the top of the second inning, he was hit hit in the lead, and then he carried a runner in scoring position with one out and second base, but he finished the follow-up with a ground ball and a struck out swing runs. After the third inning, he kept the opponent at bay with a hit pitch and showed a smooth finish for the opening.

Sumida pitcher was selected for the WBC Japan national team and appeared as a reliever in both games. In the first round against Australia, he pitched well with three runs scoreless, but in the quarterfinal match against Venezuela, he suffered a tough time, such as being hit by two runs. Will the fifth-year left-hander, who has experienced hardships on the international stage, make a further leap forward this season?

Text: Aoi Yokoyama