◆ "It's becoming difficult for Hanshin Tigers to fight in the future"

On the 28th, Softbank win Hanshin 2-1 in the third game of the SMBC Japan Series 2025. With consecutive wins, the team now has a 2-1 record against the Hanshin Tigers Tigers. Although they allowed the first run in the first inning, Hotaka Yamakawa hit a solo Home Run in the fourth inning to tie the game.

Yamakawa hit home runs in two consecutive games as the No. 4 batter for the first time in the series. On the 29th, Fuji TV One's "Pro baseball News 2025" MC Mitsuru Manaka reflected, "It was typical of Yamakawa; the moment he hit it, Home Run into the back screen." Commentator Kenichi Tanizawa pointed out, "He didn't miss the slightly soft slider from (Hanshin Tigers starter) Hiroto Saiki. When a No. 4 batter performs like this on enemy soil, it's easy for the momentum to shift in his favor." Manaka commented, "Yamakawa had been in poor form late in the season, being dropped from the starting starting line-up, but after his performance in the second game of the Japan Series, with five RBI, he's probably coming into the game with a very positive image." Tanizawa speculated, "He felt that he couldn't make his presence known other than by standing out at the end of the season, like in the final stage or the Japan Series."

Regarding the in-form Yamakawa, Manaka described him as "a party guy who excels on the big stage," while the other commentator, Tsutomu Iwamoto, commented, "A player with a style that could be described as moody, hits Home Run and automatically becomes a player in good form. That's why he's also quite strong at the plate. Today he Walk, Home Run, Walk, and intentionally Walk, so I think Hanshin Tigers battery will be keeping an eye on Yamakawa from tomorrow onwards." Manaka added, "He was incredibly calm in his next at-bat after hitting Home Run run. When he was in bad form, he would often chase balls and force them, resulting in a lot of swings and misses, but after his five RBI in the second game, he's been able to stand at the plate with great composure. Considering that he's also been picking Walk well, it's becoming a bit difficult for Hanshin Tigers to compete against him in the future."

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