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

In the end, the number four hitter took it all. With the bases loaded and one out in the ninth inning of a tied game, Kurihara drove the ball into the right-center terrace seats with a powerful swing. His walk-off grand slam, which he described as 'the first time in my life, it feels great,' is only the second in CS history since Nippon-Ham's Sledge in 2009. With this dramatic shot, they have put themselves one win away from advancing with three consecutive victories.

He showed the pride of a Pacific League double crown hitter in Home Runs and RBI. In the previous situation with runners on first and third and one out, the number three hitter, Kondo, was given an intentional walk. He himself had been struggling that day with zero hits in three At Bats. 'The tension was stronger than the feeling of being fired up,' he said. Released from the pressure, he calmly rounded the bases. 'I wanted to create time for everyone to come and wait for me...' he said, stirring up the joy of his teammates, and the entertainer-like player representative received a rough celebration.

During pre-game practice for the Climax Series, at the club's suggestion, all players and staff wore T-shirts created when they achieved their third consecutive league title. With the word 'CHAMPIONS' on their chests, they raised their spirits. The background music during practice was a medley by singer-songwriter Vaundy. It was Kurihara who requested it. 'I let my personal feelings get involved,' he said with a mischievous smile, but he used the music to get himself into the right rhythm, leading to the best possible result.

Manager Kokubo, who long occupied the number four spot for The Hawks, spoke with excitement, saying, 'As expected, he's the one to decide it there.' He paid his highest respects to the man anchoring the lineup, adding, 'The desire to hit is there, but results don't come that easily.'

Including the two-win advantage, they now have 4 wins and 0 losses. They are just one win away from reaching the Japan Series for the third consecutive year. In last season's CS Final Series, they held a match point with two consecutive wins against the same Nippon-Ham team, only to be pushed back to a reverse match point after three straight losses. Manager Kokubo emphasized his focus on winning each game, stating, 'I am only thinking about getting those three wins.' Meanwhile, Kurihara made a powerful declaration, saying, 'I want to decide it tomorrow.' Having secured a dramatic win that provided more than enough momentum, they aim to surge ahead all at once without any hesitation. (Toui Moriguchi)