On June 16, in the third round of the 'Nippon Life Central-Pacific League Interleague 2026' between Hanshin Tigers and Saitama Seibu Lions held in Koshien, Saitama Seibu Lions win 1-0. With a winning percentage of .824 with 14 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, they secured the franchise's first-ever interleague championship.

The starting pitcher was Natsuki Takeuchi pitcher. Although they carried runner in scoring position from the very first inning, they managed to score two struck out and started strong. He continued to pitch calmly, and in the bottom of the fourth, he struck out three consecutive batters. From the fourth inning onward, he pitched a perfect pitch and was pulled with 95 pitches over six innings, throwing 3 hit 10 strike out and runs without a single pitch.

In the top of the fifth, the leadoff Manaya Nishikawa hit a hit, and with sacrifice bunt by pitcher Takeuchi, the lineup advanced to second base, and Masayuki Kuwahara 's timely hit put them ahead. With a one-run lead, they switched to relief late in the innings, and in the bottom of the seventh, Wingenter pitcher managed to connect with no runs despite a crisis.

Hibiki Shinohara pitcher closer the bottom of the 8th, and in the 1-0 9th, Hiroshi Kaino pitcher pitched. He retired leadoff scorer Teruaki Sato with a swinging struck out, then followed up with a grounder to second. Although he runner Walk, he ended the match with a struck out swinging off Masahiro Tateishi, claiming his first interleague championship.

pitcher Takeuchi earned his fifth win of the season. With a solid relief lineup, they held the Tiger Cubs' run to the last run. Hasegawa has posted a .367 batting average during interleague play, making his current top spot in interleague hitter almost certain.

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Nishi ○ Natsuki Takeuchi- Wingenter -Hibiki Shinohara- S Hiroshi Kaino
God ● Saiki Hiroto - Kudo Yasunari - Kinoshita Rito - Oikawa Masaki

Written by Kai Nagi Niwa