On June 3, in the first round of the 'Nippon Life Central-Pacific League Interleague 2026' between Hanshin Tigers and Saitama Seibu Lions held in Koshien, Saitama Seibu Lions win 3-2. Since last season, he has achieved four consecutive wins in Hanshin Tigers matches.

Saitama Seibu Lions 's starting pitcher was Yutaro Watanabe pitcher. He retired all three batters in the first inning, and in the bottom of the second, he faced a crisis with two outs and runners on first and second, but ultimately retired a fly ball to right and did not allow any runs. From the third inning onward, he showed outstanding consistency with no hit pitch, and pitched 112 pitches over 7 innings, pitching 2 hit 1 Walk 6 strike out no runs to get out of mound.

The lineup, eager to respond to their strong pitching, hit a solo home run of the 10th in the top of the 2nd inning when Nevin hit a solo homer to take the lead. In the top of the 7th, Masayuki Kuwahara and Seiya Watanabe hit created a good opportunity with runners on second and third, and the opponent's bad throw got involved, adding two more runs. The match entered its final stages with a 3-0 lead.

Saitama Seibu Lions, aiming to hold on from the start, brought in their second pitcher, Hiroshi Kaino pitcher, in the bottom of the eighth. closer with no runs, in the bottom of the ninth, Hakua Iwaki pitcher gave up Teruaki Sato's 15th two-run homer, but the lead held on. Starter pitcher Watanabe marked his third win of the season. In the lineup, Kuwahara has two hit and Nevin has hit a home run.

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West 010000200 3
God 000000002 2

West ○ Yutaro Watanabe-Hiroshi Kaino-Hakua Iwaki
God ● Kotaro Otake - Kyoki Yuasa - Yasunari Kudo

Written by Ao Yokoyama