◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026: Hiroshima 0-2 Nippon-Ham (June 16, Mazda Stadium)

Nippon-Ham manager Shinjo appeared before reporters with a look of satisfaction. Despite a resounding 2-0 victory over Hiroshima, Seibu Lions win, preventing Nippon Ham from winning the interleague series for the first time in 19 years. "Congratulations on your first championship, Saitama Seibu Lions finished the interleague series with a record of 14 wins and 4 losses. In about three weeks, they jumped from a deficit of 3 games to a lead of 7 games, and closed the gap with third-place Orix Buffaloes to zero games.

It was a valuable win. Considering the burden of moving to Hiroshima, Reyes remained in Hokkaido, batting .329 with a Home Run.13 average. "I'm treating him with icing. Let him play a bit and if something happens in the second half," he said, preparing for the league to resume by not sending the main slugger, who was worried about both heels, on the away trip. In the 7th inning with a one-run lead, he used Tatsu, who had suffered six losses as a starter this season, as his first professional reliever. He marked a top speed of 155 km/h and closer completely in two strike out per pitch, prompting the commander to say, "Tatsu! That's it. 155 (kilometers)?　When I return to the starting lineup, I hope he remembers and throws this ball." The suffering 22-year-old discovered new possibilities.

Starting on the 19th, they face off against their arch-rivals Softbank Hawks who have suffered eight straight losses to start the season, in a three-game series (at Escon Stadium). "This is where the real fun begins. I'm looking forward to More (Reyes) having a breakout performance," said the manager. They are restarting their quest for their long-awaited league championship. (Haruki Kawakami)