In a thrilling showdown at Belluna Dome on April 27, 2025, the Seibu Lions triumphed over the Orix Buffaloes with a final score of 3-2, marking their second consecutive victory. The game was highlighted by a dramatic sayonara hit from veteran Takeya Nakamura, who, at 41 years old, became the oldest player in the team's history to accomplish this feat.
The action kicked off in the first inning when Seibu's Seiya Watanabe delivered a timely hit, giving the Lions an early 1-0 lead. Watanabe continued to shine, hitting another crucial timely hit in the third inning, extending Seibu's lead to 2-0. However, the Buffaloes fought back in the seventh inning, with Muneta Nakagawa hitting a two-run home run that tied the game at 2-2, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish.
As the game progressed into the ninth inning, the tension mounted. With two outs and runners on first and second, Nakamura stepped up to the plate as a pinch hitter. He faced a slider from Orix's Matchado, which he expertly drove into left-center field for the walk-off double, securing the victory for Seibu. This marked Nakamura's ninth career sayonara hit and his first as a pinch hitter since July 15, 2023, against the Nippon Ham Fighters.
In his post-game hero interview, Nakamura expressed his delight, stating, "I was just trying to get on base." His modesty belied the significance of his achievement, as he became the first player in the team's history to hit a sayonara in his 40s. The crowd erupted in applause as he reflected on his performance, humorously mentioning, "I was trying to escape the water shower, but they caught up with me quickly."
The victory improved Seibu's record to one game above .500, a crucial milestone as they look to build momentum in the season. Nakamura acknowledged the support of his teammates, particularly the pitching staff, saying, "They’ve really helped us out a lot, and we need to support them better moving forward. I just want to keep doing my best and stay healthy."
On the other side, Orix faced their second consecutive loss, with Matchado bearing the brunt of the disappointment after allowing the sayonara hit. The Buffaloes will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next matchup, hoping to break their losing streak.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Nakamura and the Seibu Lions as they continue to strive for success, with the veteran proving that age is just a number in the world of sports. The thrilling finish to this game not only showcased Nakamura's enduring talent but also highlighted the excitement that comes with Japanese baseball.
