◆ Praise for his performance in the big game: "I was able to play like this because I was able to concentrate"

Softbank The Pacers (2-1 win) took Game 6 of the final stage of the 2025 PERSOL Climax Series Pa. with Nippon-Ham on April 20. Including the one win on the advantage, they improved their record to 4-3 and advanced to the Japan Series. With the score tied in the bottom of the fifth inning, Akira Kawase hit the winning run with two outs bases loaded.

On the 20th, Fuji TV ONE's "Professional baseball News 2025" commentator Akihiko Oya commented on Softbank 's fifth inning attack, saying, "The attack started from the lower batting order, but I once again felt that if you start from the bottom and have a chance, you can score." He then praised Kawase, saying, "I think Kawase's game-winning hit was a result of him narrowing down fork to a certain extent. In games like this, a single player's decision can have a huge impact. I think Kawase did well today. It was a really good timely hit." He went on to analyze Kawase's performance on both offense and defense, saying, "We had high expectations for Kawase today, so he was determined to live up to the manager's expectations, and he hit hit in this situation, and then he caught the ball well and threw it, making a good play. He was able to play like this because he was able to concentrate throughout the game."

Another commentator, Masaki Saito, praised Kawase's performance in the big game, saying, "He's been something of a lucky boy throughout the season. As a manager, it must be a relief to see him put in and work hard at such a difficult time."

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2025"