◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026 Seibu Lions 1-2 The Giants (13th, Belluna Dome)

The team was on the brink of elimination from its first-ever interleague championship. In the bottom of the ninth inning, with two outs and runners on first and second base, trailing by one run, Kuwahara's bat swung through the air, and a mix of screams and cheers erupted from the packed stadium. The offense was silenced by The Giants' four combined pitcher, managing only six hit and one run, putting their chances of reaching 40 wins—the fastest in both leagues—on hold. With Softbank Hawks and Nippon-Ham who still had a chance to win the interleague championship, both winning, the team lost first place. Dropping to third place, one game behind, manager Nishiguchi sighed softly, saying, "We just couldn't break through. Sumida pitched really well, though."

Starting pitcher Sumida delivered a masterful performance, throwing 115 pitches over nine innings, allowing six hit and two runs while strike out 13, but he was unable to secure his sixth win due to a lack of run support. The winning run came when he gave up a solo home run to Richard with one out in the second inning.

Whether they win or lose, only two games remain. Their chances of winning the championship on their own have vanished, but the manager said, "We intend to win each and every game and fight hard." They will cling to their last hope and fight together as one until the very end. (Ayami Onaka)