◇ Saitama Seibu Lions vs Hiroshima "Nippon Life Central and Pacific League Interleague 2026" First Round (9th, Belluna Dome)

Saitama Seibu Lions 's second-round draft rookie Hakua Iwaki pitcher recorded his first professional win.

pitcher Iwaki took the mound in the top of the ninth inning with the score tied. He retired leadoff player Kaito Kozono on the first pitch to fly out to center, then Shogo Sakakura followed with a large fly ball to left field but was out. In the end, he scored a swing-and-miss struck out from Montero in a straight pitch, allowing all three to retire in order. He then scored walk-off win in the bottom of the ninth, giving Iwaki pitcher his first professional win.

Despite being a rookie so far, he has recorded 18 saves and continues to deliver a commanding performance as a closer with confidence. Although there have been matches where they runs recently, this time they made a brilliant three-out retirement to set the momentum.

Text by Minagi Niwa