◇ Saitama Seibu Lions vs. Yokohama DeNA 'Nippon Life Central-League-Pacific-League Interleague 2026' Second Round (30th, Belluna Dome)

Saitama Seibu Lions 's Chihiro Sumida pitcher recorded their first shutout game win of the season.

Although he carried the runner from the very first inning, Sumida pitcher stood up without runs. In the top of the second and third innings, the team advanced into scoring position and closed the crucial moments. In the top of the fifth, he retired all three batters in order for the first time in the game, ending the first half. During that time, the lineup scored almost every inning, providing 6 runs of support by the 6th inning.

In the latter half, with the lead widening, he continued to get outs steadily and went into his first mound in the ninth inning of the season. He flied to right off the leadoff pitcher, Onji Katsumata, then swung at Yota Kyoda, struck out and finally got Yasuki Ishigami out to grounder to first, sealing the game.

As a result, he pitched 113 pitches in 9 innings, pitched 8 hit 1 Walk, and had 9 strike out runs with no pitches. This marked his fourth win in shutout game win, the first since April 19 last season. This season, he also participated in the WBC, and although there were many mound that didn't go as planned at the start, he is gradually improving.

Text by Minagi Niwa