SMBC Japan Series 2025 Game 5: Hanshin Tigers 2-3 Softbank (11 extra inning) (30th, Koshien)

With a 4-1 record, Softbank became the Japan Series champions for the 12th time and the first time in five years. Trailing by two runs in the 8th inning, Yuki Yanagita hit a two-run home run to the left field pole to tie the game. In the 11th extra inning, Isami Nomura hit a solo home run to the right field stands to give the team the lead, and the team secured the victory with a single home run. After the team was crowned Japan Series champions, manager Hiroki Kokubo, who was lifted up in celebration by his players nine times, spoke of his gratitude to the players who had fought through the pennant race, the CS, and the Japan Series. Below is a question and answer session.

- First Japan championship in five years

"I think we played really good games, with no time to catch our breath in any of the five matches. I'm very happy that we were able to achieve our goal of becoming number one in Japan, which we were unable to achieve last year."

- It was a total war. What did you think of the players?

"Even though Akira Nakamura who had been with the first team for a year, was unable to play in the Japan Series, the players fought in his place. They even brought their uniforms. As for this year, we would not have been able to become number one in Japan without the efforts of all the players, staff and management up to the fourth team."

- Manager Kokubo was crowned Japan's best as both a member of The Hawks and as a manager. What does it mean to be Japan's best as a manager?

"I had a disappointing experience last year, but I'm really grateful to the players who played in 154 games, including the Climax Series Final and the Japan Series. I'm really happy to have been blessed with such strong players."

-To the fans who have continued to support us

"I've been talking about last year a lot, but that's how many times I was told to be 'number one in Japan' during the off-season. I'm relieved that I was able to achieve that goal and be able to give good news to my fans this off-season."

Related News

・ [Scoreboard] Hanshin Tigers vs. Softbank
・ [Japan Series] Hanshin Tigers Tigers owner Masao Hata, who lost, said, "The frustration will surely serve as fuel for the team." President Kazuo Awai said, "We will boldly take on the challenge to regain the number one spot in Japan."
・ [Japan Series] Former manager Akinobu Okada responds to Hanshin Tigers 's narrow loss with a "Hmm..." comment: "It's a short-term battle, so losing the second game was the way things were going..."
・ [Japan Series] Softbank wins Japan Series for the 12th time and first time in 5 years! Yuki Yanagita hits a tying 2-run home run and Isami Nomura scores the winning run with a single home run.
・ [Japan Series] MVP goes to Softbank 's Hotaka Yamakawa who hit three consecutive home runs, Hanshin Tigers 's Teruaki Sato receives the Fighting Spirit Award