Nippon-Ham reach Final Stage
On October 12 at Belluna Dome, the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters beat the Saitama Seibu Lions 4-1 in Game 3 of the Climax Series First Stage to advance to the Final Stage for a third straight year. Starter Daii Ito worked five innings allowing one run, Yuki Nomura delivered a second straight game-opening RBI, and Nakamasa Manami hit a series solo homer.
Source: スポーツナビ（Yahoo! Japan）
Hasegawa back in practice after HBP
Seibu outfielder Shinya Hasegawa took a hit-by-pitch to the back of his left hand on October 11 but returned to pregame practice on October 12 without tape, saying “I’m fine.” Although he was replaced as a pinch hitter the previous day because of the impact, Hasegawa expressed willingness to play in the short postseason series.
Source: 日刊スポーツ
Giants request Abe to return to club
Reports say the Yomiuri Giants have asked former manager Shinnosuke Abe to return to the organization, with a role in player-development/roster planning being a leading possibility. The club is reportedly working to arrange a way for Abe to support the team again from a different post.
Source: 日刊スポーツ
Torobashi named hero after go-ahead hit
In the Climax Series First Stage, Yokohama DeNA catcher Yasutaka Tobashi delivered a key RBI in the seventh inning of Game 2 on October 11 and was named the game’s hero. He also threw out a stolen-base attempt earlier, earning praise and clear trust from his manager and fans.
Source: 日刊スポーツ
Hanshin banks on first-inning scoring
On October 12 Hanshin held a full-team practice at Koshien. Analysts point to the Tigers’ first-inning run differential—plus-36, the league’s best this season—as a key strength; their ability to score early is expected to be decisive in the short Final Stage, which opens on October 14.
Source: 日刊スポーツ
SoftBank likely to start Moineiro in Game 1
On October 12 SoftBank coach Kurano praised Ryban Moineiro’s pitch quality and condition, saying he is the strong candidate to start Game 1 of the Final Stage. Since returning in August Moineiro has made seven appearances, thrown 47 1/3 innings, posted a 6-1 record and a remarkable 0.76 ERA this season.
Source: 日刊スポーツ