2026 Persol Climax Series Pacific League Final Stage Game 3: Softbank Hawks vs Nippon-Ham (16th, Mizuho PayPay)
Nippon-Ham was caught by the Softbank Hawks.
It was the third inning with a one-run lead. The starter Kato Takayuki, who had been pitching well, faced a crisis with one out and a runner on third, then gave up a timely hit to left field by Shoji. The game was brought back to a tie. Nevertheless, he managed to get through the subsequent crisis without allowing any runs.
They are more than 10 games behind the league-leading Softbank Hawks in the season standings, and this final stage is a best-of-seven series that started with Softbank Hawks holding a two-win advantage. Currently on a two-game losing streak, Nippon-Ham is on the brink of elimination with a record of 0 wins and 4 losses from their perspective. They aim to secure a win in the third game to keep their hopes of a comeback alive.
![[Scoreboard] Softbank Hawks vs. Nippon-Ham](https://hochi.news/assets/v2/img/hochi_news_sns.png)
![[Nippon-Ham] Manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo's batting order change hits the mark! Yuya Gunji in the leadoff spot opens the way, while Kotaro Kiyomiya, who hit the opening RBI, calls it his 'on the edge hitting'... Aiming for a major comeback victory after starting with 0 wins and 4 losses.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/10/16/20261016-OHT1I51466-L.jpg)
![[Nippon-Ham] On the brink with 0 wins and 4 losses. To achieve a major comeback breakthrough, Manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo boldly reshuffled the starting line-up, placing Yuya Gunji as the first batter and Reyes as the third.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/10/16/20261016-OHT1I51431-L.jpg)
![[Nippon-Ham] A painful comeback loss results in 0 wins and 4 losses. Kotaro Kiyomiya emphasizes moving forward, saying, 'I like it, being on the edge. We are The Fighters on the edge'... He hit the opening RBI while batting third.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/10/15/20261015-OHT1I51763-L.jpg)
