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

The "SMBC Japan Series 2025" was held in Koshien for the fifth round, and Softbank won the Japan for the 12th time in five years. They came from behind to win 3-2 and won 4 consecutive victories from the loss in the first game. Yuki Yanagita outfielder (37) tied the game with two runs in the eighth inning, and Isami Nomura infielder (28) hit a winning solo shot in the extra inning 11th. Coach Yuki Kokubo (54), who is in his second year in office, succeeded in avenging last year's Japan Series (S) defeat to DeNA. Hanshin Tigers was the first time in 57 games that Daichi Ishii pitcher (28), who was hit by Yanagida, regular season in 57 games since the The Giants match (Tokyo D) runs on April 4th. I missed the first time in two years that I was the best in Japan.

A fully recovered Yamakawa was crowned MVP. "The games were tense, and I was feeling nervous as I played." He contributed again that day with one hit and two base hits, finishing with a batting average of .385 and seven RBI in five games. He became the sixth player in history to hit Home Run in three consecutive games, tying the longest streak in the Japan Series since Game 2, and taking the lead.

The slugger has struggled this season and lost his permanent position as number four hitter. "I was able to hit the ball in good condition," he said, finally coming to terms with the swing he had been struggling with. He fought in the Japan Series while keeping the reason for his good form a secret. "It's not good to keep quiet for too long during a long season," said the usually nice guy who carefully explains things to the press, but he kept his mouth shut. In a long battle, batting also changes, but in a short-term showdown, it's a one-shot deal. "There's also the opponent. There's no need to tell them." Two hours after the fierce battle, he revealed the secret to the way he shifted his center of gravity, saying, "I was conscious of the bone in my right heel," but he showed no signs of weakness.

The only key fielder who has not been sidelined due to injury also admits that "my Achilles tendon is at its limit." He has been fighting while hiding the injury since the first half of the season, but it has affected the quality and quantity of his practice and warm-ups. Above all else, he lacked the most important preparation. "But I have to reflect on the preparation that came before that, on my own training and training camp." During spring training, he was in the "S group" where he was entrusted with training, and he ran more than anyone else and received more knocks, but "it still wasn't enough," he said, looking ahead to the off-season.

Last year, he was defeated in his first Japan Series. He went to this stage for revenge, saying, "I want to see what it's like to be number one in Japan." As he reached the stage of joy, he looked around at his nine teammates. "They really have a deep roster. All the players who played will be doing well. I'm not going to give up either." He continued, "I want to start practicing soon. I don't want to forget this feeling. Right now I want to get batting." The strength he showed in this big game is equivalent to a declaration of a comeback next season. With a total of 275 home runs and four Home Run titles, this slugger still has a lot of potential to shine. (Ando Osamu)

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