Kouta達 pitched six scoreless innings and Yuki Nomura delivered a fifth-inning RBI double as the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters defeated the Saitama Seibu Lions 1-0 on October 11 at Belluna Dome, evening their Pacific League Climax Series First Stage matchup at one game apiece.
Climax Series First Stage Square at One
The 1-0 result in Game 2 leaves the best-of-three series tied at 1-1, forcing a decisive third game on October 12 at Belluna Dome. With two outs and a runner in scoring position, Nomura lined a run-scoring double to provide the game’s only offense.
Takahashi absorbed the hard-luck loss despite a strong outing for Seibu, while the Fighters’ pitching staff maintained the narrow margin through the late innings.
Four Pitchers Combine for Climax Series Shutout
Tadahata delivered a commanding performance on the mound for Nippon-Ham, scattering three hits across 89 pitches over six innings of work. The right-hander struck out seven batters, walked one, and hit one batter while keeping the Lions off the scoreboard.
Following Takahashi’s departure, the Fighters deployed a three-pitcher bullpen relay to preserve the shutout. Ren Fukushima, Mizuki Hori, and Daisei Yanagawa each pitched in relief, with Yanagawa closing out the ninth inning to earn the save. Nippon-Ham totaled five hits in the contest, led by Tamiya with a multi-hit performance alongside Nomura’s game-winning extra-base hit.
Decisive Third Game Scheduled for October 12
With the Climax Series First Stage now even at one victory each, Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters and Saitama Seibu Lions meet again on October 12 at Belluna Dome for Game 3, where the winner will advance in the postseason bracket.
