◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026 Yakult vs. Seibu Lions (26th, Jingu Stadium)

Seibu Lions took the lead with outfielder Seiya Watanabe 's first hit of the interleague series.

In the 7th inning, with the score still 0-0, and two outs and runners on first and third, he stepped up to the plate. He connected with a 145 km/h slider from opposing starter Ken Matsumoto, sending the ball through the gap between second and short. It was his first hit of the interleague series, a timely single to center field. He raised his fist in celebration as he reached first base.

At the press conference held the day before the start of the interleague series, he expressed his desire to win the Most Valuable Player award, which no Seibu Lions player has yet achieved, saying, "I want to win it. I can get closer by hitting in clutch situations." He also declared, "I want to win the first game decisively, build momentum, and lead Saitama Seibu Lions to victory."

He was sidelined due to injury during his rookie season last year, so this will be his first appearance in an interleague game.