On the 24th, Seibu Lions lose to Softbank Hawks 3-7 in their game at Belluna Dome. On the same day, CS Fuji TV ONE's "Pro baseball News 2026" featured program MC Motonobu Tanishige, who commented on the upcoming two days' battle for first place: "Iwaki returned to the first team today, but I think Seibu Lions 's reliever pitchers will be the key. They haven't had a very good record against Softbank Hawks. Softbank Hawks 's batting lineup is so good that I don't think their starting pitchers will be able to complete game the game. So I think reliever pitchers will be crucial."

He continued, "Seibu Lions relief pitchers runs again today... Seibu Lions absolutely has to win tomorrow and the day after."

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