Tray Wingen Sets Pacific League Record with 18 Consecutive Holds

Relief pitcher Tray Wingen of the Seibu Lions recorded his 18th straight hold, establishing a new Pacific League record and matching the all‑time professional baseball mark previously set by Osaka‑based pitcher Oikawa. The streak was extended in a 5‑1 victory over the Orix Buffaloes, where Wingen entered in the seventh inning, delivered a 158 km/h fastball and a 142 km/h slider, and retired the side without allowing a run.

Wingen’s performance comes amid a tightly contested race for the league’s Best Reliever award. Analysts highlight his superior control (K/BB 7.40) and low WHIP (0.78) alongside other top candidates such as Murakami of the Hokkaido Nippon‑Ham Fighters and Suzuki of the Lotte Giants, who are also posting high hold totals and strikeout rates. Wingen’s consistency and the historic hold streak have placed him at the forefront of the season’s reliever accolades.