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

Nippon-Ham took the lead in the third inning.

The lineup connected. In the third inning with the score tied, they created a golden opportunity with the bases loaded and no outs against Softbank Hawks starter Moinelo through two hit and a Walk. With one out and the bases loaded, Shibata hit a right sacrifice fly, succeeding in taking the lead. Second-year player Shibata responded to his selection as a starter.

Furthermore, with two outs and the bases loaded, Mizuno drew a Walk to force in a run. They added another point, having showered Moinelo with 6 hit by the third inning and forcing him out of the game early.

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.