◇ Saitama Seibu vs Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Round 23 (12th, Belluna Dome)

Saitama Seibu Lions pitcher Chihiro Sumida pitched well, throwing 110 pitches over 8 innings, allowing 6 hits, 0 walks or Hit by Pitch, with 8 strike outs and 2 runs.

This was his fifth matchup this season against Hokkaido Nippon-Ham, the team he suffered a loss against in their previous meeting after giving up 7 runs (4 earned runs) in 4 innings. Although he retired the side in order in the first inning, he gave up a go-ahead 32nd solo home run to Reyes in the top of the second, marking the second consecutive game he has allowed a home run to the same player. Nevertheless, in the top of the third, he showcased his characteristic pick-off skills with a runner on first and one out to nip the threat in the bud, and from then on, he kept the opponent at bay with a perfect performance through the seventh inning.

He also took the mound in the top of the eighth with a 3-1 lead, but with two outs and a runner on first, he gave up a timely doble to Taiki Narama, narrowing the lead to one run. He then struck out the following batter, Tatsuki Mizuno, looking, refusing to allow the tying run. He recorded his sixth consecutive HQS.

In the top of the ninth, closer Hiroshi Kaino allowed the tying run, putting his bid for double-digit wins for the second consecutive year on hold. However, he fully demonstrated the ability that earned him the August "Taiju Life Monthly MVP Award" in this game as well.

Text by So Yokoyama