[Softbank Hawks] The team's oldest player returns to the starting line-up! Yuki Yanagita, who missed Game 1 due to neck pain, will bat 5th as the DH. If they win, they will be one step away from advancing to the Japan Series.

Sports Hochi
Yuki Yanagita practicing his batting (Photo by Suguru Nakajima)

2026 Persol Climax Series Pacific League Final Stage Game 2: Softbank Hawks vs. Nippon-Ham (15th, Mizuho PayPay)

Softbank Hawks, who hold a 3-0 lead (first to 5 wins) including the advantage, have included outfielder Yuki Yanagita in the starting line-up as the 'number 5 DH' after he missed the first game due to neck pain. After the game on the 14th, he emphasized his readiness, saying, 'I can go anytime.' As the oldest member of the team, he recorded a .302 batting average, 19 Home Runs, and 70 RBIs this season. He aims to show his presence with his characteristic batting and bring the team one step closer to reaching the Japan Series.

starting line-up is as follows:

1 (1) Masaki

2 (Central) Shuto

3 (left) Kondo

4 (3) Kurihara

5 (DH) Yanagida

6 (2) Makihara Dai

7 (Catcher) Yu Yamamoto

8 (Right) Yanagimachi

9 (play) Shoko

Starting Pitcher = Uwasawa

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[Softbank Hawks] The team's oldest player returns to the starting line-up! Yuki Yanagita, who missed Game 1 due to neck pain, will bat 5th as the DH. If they win, they will be one step away from advancing to the Japan Series.