Toshiaki Imae, who appeared on the “Pro baseball News 2026” program broadcast on Fuji TV ONE on the 22nd, mentioned Seibu Lions and Seiya Watanabe.

Watanabe started as the No. 7 batter and third baseman starting line-up in that day’s game against the Rakuten Eagles. In his first at-bat in the third inning with the score tied 0–0, no outs, runner, and no runners on base, Takahisa Hayakawa hit his sixth solo home run of the season—a fastball—into the left-center field stands on the sixth pitch from , who had been throwing a 3-ball, 2-strike count.

Regarding this hit, Imaie commented, "The ball was a bit high, a slightly floating fastball, but he hit it perfectly. He seems to be in very good condition."

In the 7th inning with no outs and no runner on base, Watanabe came up to bat for the third time and hit a solo home run to center field off change-up thrown by Hayakawa on a 1-ball, 1-strike, marking his 7th home run of the season.

Imaeda praised him highly, saying, "It's a low change-up. He has the power to hit it all the way to center fielder field backstop. Even with power, technique is also necessary, so I think he's in very good condition."

Watanabe had a spectacular performance with 4 hit, including 2 home runs, and 2 Home Run, including a single to shortstop in his 4th at-bat in the 9th inning and a RBI to left field in his 5th at-bat in the 11th inning.

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"