◆Nippon Seimei Central-Pa. Exchange Games 2026 Hanshin Tigers-Seibu Lions (3rd, Koshien)

The Saitama star returned to Koshien become a professional baseball player based in Saitama. Seibu Lions Yutaro Watanabe pitcher (25) won his third game in seven innings with two hit unanswered runs. It was his first win since his days at Urawa Gakuin in the summer of 2018, and his first regular season at the sacred site since becoming a pro. "It was a very good memory," he said, deeply moved.

In the 2nd inning, he was hit by 2 hit and allowed to get to first and second with two outs, but "count was also able to advance well, and there were many situations where he was able to drive in the first run," said Obata after driving in count 1-2 and getting a fly ball to right field. From then on, it was an impressive performance, not allowing hit any more runs until he came off the board after pitching the seventh inning.

For the right-handed pitcher, this place holds special memories. As the ace pitcher, he played in the summer Koshien of his senior year of high school, striking out 10 struck out in the third round against Nishogakusha University High School for shutout game victory. He led his school to the quarterfinals for the first time in 32 years. Eight years have passed since then. "There's a unique kind of excitement, you know, where even a small fly ball can cause cheers. As a baseball player, it's a blessing to be able to pitch in a stadium with such a rich history, so I was really savoring the moment as I pitched." With the heart of a boy in his mind, he thoroughly enjoyed his return to mound and secured the victory. (Ayami Onaka)