2026 Persol Climax Series Pacific League Final Stage Game 2: Softbank Hawks 6X-2 Nippon-Ham (15th, Mizuho PayPay)

Nippon-Ham lost to the Softbank Hawks, suffering their second consecutive defeat. Their record fell to 0 wins and 4 losses (including a 2-win advantage for Softbank), leaving them with their backs against the wall in their bid to reach the Japan Series.

The lineup took an early lead in the first inning with no outs and runners on first and second, as the number three hitter Kotaro Kiyomiya hit an RBI single to left field. 'Since it was the first inning, I wanted to give the team some momentum. I was able to calm my thoughts and step into the batter's box with a clear mind,' he said. With the bases loaded and still no outs, another run was added during Chusei Mannami's third-base double play.

However, the starter Kitayama gave up a timely doble that hit the left field wall to Masaki in the third inning, followed by a timely hit to right field by Kondo, which tied the game. He left the mound in the middle of the seventh inning after throwing 105 pitches, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs. He commented, "Thanks to the run support I received from the first inning, I was somehow able to persevere and keep us in the game. I am grateful to Uehara for shutting down the following batters in a pinch."

After that, the game entered a stalemate, but in the bottom of the ninth with one out and the bases loaded, Fukushima gave up a walk-off home run to Kurihara. Amidst the roaring cheers filling the stadium, the Nippon-Ham players headed back to the dugout with their shoulders slumped.

After the game on the 14th, Manager Shinjo remained positive, stating, 'I won't give up until it's decided in the final. We're going to fight until the very last pitch.'