◇ Saitama Seibu Lions vs Hiroshima: 'Nippon Life Central-Pacific Interleague 2026' Second Round (10th, Belluna Dome)

Saitama Seibu Lions 's Yutaro Watanabe pitcher pitched an impressive 7-inning 2-runs pitch.

First, he closer retired all three in order in the first inning, and in the top of the second, with two outs, he allowed hit but managed to get the next struck out out. In the top of the third, with one out and a runner on first, Norihiko Nahara hit his second two-run homer, but the pitch closed the crucial moment and did not allow any runs. In the top of the seventh, although he allowed runner due to a Walk and a teammate's error, he retired with double play and threw 108 pitches in 7 innings, 6 hit 2 Walk 4 strike out 2 runs to get out of mound.

With this match, Watanabe pitcher achieved three consecutive HQS titles. Although he did not earn a win, he received support from his alma mater, Urawa Gakuin High School, and showed pitcher Watanabe's signature pitching.

◇ Watanabe pitcher Comment
"Overall, it became a pitch of perseverance. The home run of the three innings was a wasteful runs, so next time I'll make sure to adjust carefully to avoid errors. Supporting my alma mater is a kind of nostalgic encouragement, and what I heard at this Belluna Dome was incredibly encouraging."