◆Nippon Seimei Central-Pa. Exchange Game 2026 Hanshin Tigers 2-4 Seibu Lions (4th, Koshien)

Seibu Lions secured two straight wins against Hanshin Tigers, and despite one rainout, they maintain their strong form with 6 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw after 8 interleague games. They have increased their lead to a season-high of 12 games. Against top Central League Yakult and Hanshin Tigers, they remain undefeated with 4 wins and 1 draw in 5 games.

In the first inning, with one out and runners on first and third, Nevin hit a sacrifice fly to left field to score the first run. In the fourth inning, with one out and runners on second and third, Nishikawa swung at a 128 km/h change-up from opposing starter Nishi Yu and hit a timely single to right field. After right fielder Sato Teru fumbled the ball and made bad throw to home plate, runner Watanabe scored from second base, and Nishikawa advanced to second base, adding two more runs. In the sixth inning, Watanabe hit a timely doble to extend the lead.

The "visitor cheering section" allocated to Seibu Lions fans was just one small section. Manager Nishiguchi smiled wryly, saying, "I wish they'd made it a little bigger..." But the loud cheers were so enthusiastic that he expressed his gratitude, saying, "We can hear the cheers from the dugout. Even though there are only that many of them, they make such a great noise, and we're really grateful."