◆SMBC Japan Series 2025 Game 4: Hanshin Tigers 2-3 Softbank (29th, Koshien)
The fourth game of the "SMBC Japan Series 2025" was held at Koshien, and Softbank defeated Hanshin Tigers 3-2, putting them one step closer to their first Japan Series title in five years with three straight wins. infielder Hotaka Yamakawa (33) hit a leadoff Home Run in the second inning, his third consecutive game. The team regained momentum in the short-term battle, scoring with sacrifice fly by Yanagimachi and a timely hit by pinch hitter Kondo. Hanshin Tigers 's infielder Teruaki Sato (26) RBI two runs in the eighth inning, breaking the team's record of four consecutive games since the first game of the Japan Series (S) in 1985, but they still fell just short.
The nightly "Dosukoi!" roars silenced the opposing team. The No. 4 hitter, who is leading the MVP race in the Japan Series, performed brilliantly, putting them in a strong position. Leading off the second inning, Yamakawa swung a 148 km/h fastball, hitting a home run into the back screen for the third consecutive game. "It's similar to when I was hitting (in the past). The feeling is really good from practice, and even after the Japan Series is over, I'll be able to go into the off-season feeling like, 'This is good.'" The leadoff hit from the fully resurrected big gun accelerated the team toward becoming the best team in Japan.
He is now the sixth player in history to hit three consecutive home runs in the Japan Series, tying the record for the longest run. He is also the second player on the team, following Jojima (Daiei) in 2000. "Even Barry? I'm glad we have such a tough lineup." He has struggled this season and lost his permanent number four position. He was left out of the starting starting line-up for Game 1 of the Japan Series, but exploded in Game 2. Including a pinch-hit performance in Game 1, he had four hit RBI nine At Bat. With Walk an on-base percentage of .643, he was truly pleased, saying, "The season is nothing, it's all one and the same. But I'm happy that I finally got a chance to hit my stride, even if just for a moment."
He has no hesitation in saying, "I'm not paying attention to the opponent's pitching. There's not much time left. I'm concentrating on my own technique." He revealed that he had a good feeling during the pre-match practice for Game 2, but kept the reason a secret. He is usually the type to give detailed explanations, but he maintained "total concentration," saying, "There's another game tomorrow, so it's a secret. I'll talk about it once it's almost over." Manager Kokubo also maintained a serious expression, saying, "We must win every game, and our focus remains the same." Regarding his goal of four consecutive wins, he declared, "Of course, that's what we're going to do."
Of the past 25 times, a team that was two wins and one loss away from winning has come out on top 24 times. The probability of winning the Japan Series is 96%. Last year, the hero experienced the Japan Series for the first time. After leading the team to consecutive wins with Home Run in Game 2, they suffered an unbelievable four straight losses. He had hoped to "see the sight of Japan becoming number one," but now he says with a sparkle in his eyes, "All I'm thinking about is doing my best again from my first turn at bat tomorrow. Even if I don't hit at all, as long as we win, it's fine." He's just going to use his bat to charge towards his long-cherished dream. (Ando Osamu)
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