◆2025 Persol Climax Series Pacific Final Stage Game 2 Softbank 3-0 Nippon-Ham (16th, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

The league champion Softbank won consecutive games against the second-place Nippon-Ham, 3-0. With a one-win advantage, they now had three wins and are one step closer to advancing to the Japan Series. With the score tied at 0-0 in the eighth inning, with one out and runners on first and second, leadoff hitter Yanagida hit a three-run home run into the left field stands to decide the game.

Below is Yanagita's hero interview.

- Led to two consecutive wins.

"thank you"

-It's been a while since you last stood on the podium, Yanagida.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Yanagida!"

- I'm sure the fans have been waiting for this. You've won two games in a row against Nippon-Ham. How do you feel now?

"Adrenaline max!"

In the eighth inning, you hit a three-run home run in the opposite direction. What were you thinking when you stepped up to the plate?

"I had already had my chance, so I had no choice but to hit it. I hit it with all my might, thinking that if I hit it here, I'd be able to greet everyone on the stage and say, 'Nice to meet you,'" he said.

-The fans were thrilled, but how did you feel when you hit the ball?

"It was a little bit crowded, but outfielder was in front of me, so I thought I could get past him, and I was really happy."

- Before that, Kawase came on as a pinch hitter and the fans sang nonstop. How did you feel listening to them?

"Things are getting exciting!"

-Did the cheers of the fans reach you, Yanagida?

"thank you!"

-Now, with this advantage, if we win tomorrow we'll advance to the CS.

"Yes, I know."

-You have your ticket to becoming number one in Japan. Finally, please give us a heartfelt message for everyone.

"It's been a while, everyone. I wasn't able to perform well during the season, so I'd appreciate your support again. Thank you very much."

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・ [Scoreboard] Softbank vs. Nippon-Ham
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・ [Pacific League CS] Yuki Yanagita puts Softbank in the lead! His 10th home run, tying the all-time record, is a game-winning three-run shot from 0-0 in the 8th inning!
​[Pacific League CS] Kenta Uehara gives up a painful final hit to Yanagita: "I didn't want to waste it."
​[Pacific League CS] Nippon-Ham are on the brink of defeat after two straight losses. Manager Shinjo says, "Any manager who starts pitcher has emerged this year is crazy."