◆SMBC Japan Series 2025 Game 4: Hanshin Tigers 2-3 Softbank (29th, Koshien)
After losing the first game, Softbank won three straight games, putting them one step closer to becoming the Japan Series champions for the first time in five years since 2020. Yamakawa hit a solo home run into the back screen in the second inning to take the lead, and Yanagimachi added another run with sacrifice fly in the fifth. Pinch hitter Kondo then hit a timely hit in the sixth inning to extend the lead to three runs.
The pitcher staff, including starter Otsu, pitcher five innings with three hit and no runs, earning win and leaving Hanshin Tigers batting line with no chance to take advantage. Manager Hiroki Kokubo was pleased with the performance of his teammates. The following is a question and answer session.
- Both teams have good starter, but the No. 4 hitter is impressive.
"Well, today was my third consecutive home run in this Japan Series, and even though I was down two strike, I hit a powerful home run, typical of Yamakawa, and it really put me in a favorable position in the game."
- Otsu pitch brilliantly with few pitches.
"Since the summer, he's been gaining confidence as part of the rotation, and he's made it all the way to the Japan Series. It was clear that he was trying to bring out all the power he has now, and as a batter he hit hits, drew Walk, and seemed to be playing baseball with all his might."
- In the sixth inning, with two outs and a runner on second base, pinch hitter Kondo was in trouble.
"Well, I was wondering whether to let him continue pitching, but I was thinking that if he got to second base we could try to score another point, and I think Kondo was amazing when he hit it."
-After pitcher Otsu, the team played tenaciously.
"It's the same this year. We won in the same way yesterday, so I sent them off with faith in them at the end."
-On the verge of becoming number one in Japan. Looking ahead to tomorrow
"We will win every match. We will continue to do what we've been doing and prepare thoroughly for tomorrow."
Related News
・ [Scoreboard] Hanshin Tigers vs. Softbank
・ [Japan Series] Softbank 's chances of victory are 96%! Ryosuke Otsu runs and Hotaka Yamakawa in three consecutive games, resulting in a third straight win and a championship.
・ [Japan Series] On the brink of collapse with three straight losses... Manager Fujikawa Kyuji: "Just three wins" - chances of victory after 1 win and 3 losses are 4%
・ [Japan Series] Hanshin Tigers suffers three straight losses, victory chances are at 4%. First run in 15 inning but still no points. Same as 11 years ago.
・ [Japan Series] Softbank 's Ryosuke Otsu "I was focused in a good atmosphere of tension" - He left the game after 5 innings with 3 hit no runs but also got his first hit in his first professional at-bat
