Seibu aims to host the Climax Series at Belluna Dome. On the 29th, it finished its game against Orix with a comeback win, putting itself 1 win away from advancing to the first stage of the Climax Series.
Seibu defeated Orix 2-1 in the game at Belluna Dome on the 29th, bringing the regular-season home schedule to a valuable close. A ceremony was held after the game, helping build momentum toward a place in the Climax Series.
Fumiya Nishiguchi (西口 文也), in his second year as manager, thanked the fans and said one more win was needed to finish second, expressing his desire to hold the Climax Series at Belluna Dome.
The victory extended Seibu’s lead over Nippon-Ham to one game in the first stage of the Climax Series. If Nippon-Ham loses on 1 October, or depending on Seibu’s results in its remaining 2 games, a home Climax Series for the first time in 7 years is becoming a realistic possibility.
Although Seibu was affected by ace pitcher Imai’s move to the United States this season, Taira’s transition to the starting rotation helped form the team’s core in both pitching and hitting. With strong performances from its draft picks and a win in the interleague competition, the team’s roster is taking shape for a run at the Climax Series.