Regarding the record demonstrating his presence, Mr. Oya remarked, 'It makes you feel that things would have been quite difficult if he hadn't been there.'

Hiroshi Kaino of the Seibu Lions pitched in the 9th inning of the game against the Orix Buffaloes on the 8th. He recorded his 20th save of the season, pitching 1 inning with 19 pitches, 0 hits, 1 strike out, 1 Walk, and 0 runs.

Achieving 20 hold and 20 saves in a single season is a feat accomplished by only three players in NPB history, following Yuya Kubo of The Giants in 2011 and Kaima Taira of the Seibu Lions in 2021. Regarding this record, Mitsuru Manaka, the MC of Fuji TV ONE's 'Professional baseball News 2026' broadcast on the 8th, praised him, saying, 'It is not something easily done. His presence is outstanding.' Commentator Hatsuhiko Tsuji added with a wry smile, 'He has recorded 20 saves as a closer. He often gives a Walk to the lead-off hitter, but he shuts them down properly in the end. I think everyone watches him with that kind of feeling.'

When the other commentator, Akihiko Ohya, evaluated the performance by saying, 'The closer is a special position, and he moved into this role midway through the season. His performance is so good that it makes you realize how much trouble the team would have been in without him,' Mitsuru Manaka also nodded and agreed, saying, 'He's been a huge help.'

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