Atsushi Kataoka, who appeared on "Pro baseball News 2026" broadcast on Fuji TV ONE on the 27th, commented on Nippon-Ham Fighters' pitcher rotation in that day's game Seibu Lions.

Nippon-Ham 's starting pitcher, Sachiya Yamazaki, held Seibu Lions lineup to just one runs six innings and 79 pitches. In the seventh inning, Seigi Tanaka closer the side in order, and in the eighth inning, Hiroya Shimamoto also retired the side in order. Then, in the ninth inning, Taiki Narama, Tatsuki Mizuno, and Yua Tamiya hit timely singles to give Nippon Ham a 3-run lead. In the ninth inning, Kota Tatsu came in to pitch and gave up a home run to Canario, but Nippon Ham held on for the win.

Kataoka reflected, "I think Tanaka and Shimamoto set a good momentum by retiring the side in order. Yamazaki had thrown enough pitches to go another inning, but they brought in a relief pitcher early. I think that was also a key point today."

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