2026 PERSOL Climax Series Pacific League First Stage Game 3: Seibu Lions 1-4 Nippon-Ham (12th, Belluna Dome)

The third game of the '2026 Persol Climax Series Pa' (CS) First Stage (S) was held at Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa City, Saitama, where the Seibu Lions lost to Nippon-Ham and missed out on their first Final Stage appearance since 2019.

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The players' expressions were grim. The lineup failed to connect against the opponent's starter, Ito, resulting in a lose with only 5 hits and 1 run. With 1 win and 2 losses in the CS First Stage, their elimination was confirmed. Manager Nishiguchi squeezed out the words, 'We wanted to score first somehow, but we ended up on the defensive. We wanted to break through and play against the Softbank Hawks, so this is frustrating.'

In the third inning with one out and a runner on first, Watanabe grounded into a double play to second base. In the fourth inning with one out and a runner on first, Kojima grounded into a double play to shortstop. After pulling back one run, with two outs and runners on first and third, Watanabe hit a weak pop fly to the catcher, as the team struggled to get that one final hit.

After the team's lose on this day, Team President Okumura stated, "I spoke with Manager Nishiguchi earlier, and I requested that he continue as manager next season, which he accepted," confirming his continuation for a third year in office. The commander also expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "Although we finished second in the regular season, it ended with a frustrating result in the CS, so I want to do my best to advance to the next stage next season." After taking a brief breath, he will begin moving toward a counterattack next season. (Ayami Onaka)