DeNA relief strategy fails as Wakamatsu concedes four runs

During a game against the Hanshin Tigers, DeNA's relief pitching strategy in the sixth inning failed to contain the opposition, leading to a 3–8 defeat. After starter Takuto Ogata pitched five innings and allowed three runs, manager Aikawa brought in Naoki Wakamatsu to maintain a 3–3 tie.

Wakamatsu struggled immediately, issuing a walk to Shota Morishita followed by a double from Teruaki Sato. Yusuke Oyama then hit a decisive two-run double. Wakamatsu was removed from the game after failing to record a single out and issuing another walk to Nozomu Takadera.

Commenting on the performance on Fuji TV ONE, Akihiko Oya noted that while Wakamatsu had shown good form since the summer, he failed to execute in this critical moment. Oya suggested that the young pitcher needs to study further to develop the ability to suppress opponents in high-pressure situations.