On the 12th, Softbank Hawks pitcher Yugo Maeda emphasized his calm and composed attitude ahead of his first-ever Climax Series (CS) appearance. On this day, he participated in pitcher practice at Mizuho PayPay Dome. Although the opponent for the CS Final Stage (opening on the 14th) was determined to be Nippon-Ham, the left-hander, who spoke to the press before the game ended, said in a calm tone, 'There is nothing (I will change from the regular season). I will just go all out.'

In his third season this year, he made a great leap forward with 12 wins and 1 loss and a 2.10 ERA, contributing significantly to the Pacific League's third consecutive title. His 12 consecutive wins from the start of the season without a loss was the first for the club since Kazumi Saito's 15 consecutive wins in 2005. In the CS, he is expected to start Game 3 on the 16th. If a pitcher within three years of graduating high school earns a win in the postseason, it will be the first for the club since Shota Takeda in Game 2 of the 2014 Japan Series, and a first in the CS. 'It's a first for me too. I think the cheering will be louder, so I want to enjoy that while I do it,' he said, looking forward to his appearance on the mound.

Even during his time at Osaka Toin, he experienced the grand stage of Koshien. Regarding the CS, he remains perfectly calm, stating, '(My mindset) hasn't particularly changed. I feel like I'm just doing my usual adjustments.' This season, he started three games against Nippon-Ham, and while he had a 1-0 record, his ERA was 4.20. He aims to shut down the opponent, who is riding a wave of momentum after a comeback victory in the first stage, and lead his team to the Japan Series for the third consecutive year.