2026 Persol Climax Series Pacific League Final Stage Game 1: Softbank Hawks vs. Nippon-Ham (14th, Mizuho PayPay)

Nippon-Ham caught up to a tie in the second inning.

The lineup connected in the second inning with a one-run lead. They attacked Softbank Hawks starter Moinelo, creating a scoring opportunity with one out and the bases loaded. During Yamagata's grounder toward the hole between third and short, the third-base runner Reyes came home. They have already recorded four hits off the formidable left-hander by the second inning. The lineup remains active, carrying the momentum from breaking through the first stage.

They are more than 10 games behind the first-place Softbank Hawks in the season standings, and in this final stage, which is a best-of-seven series, the Softbank Hawks have a two-win advantage. They are now heading into the first game, which will significantly influence the momentum of the series.