2026 Persol Climax Series Pacific League Final Stage Game 3: Softbank Hawks vs Nippon-Ham (16th, Mizuho PayPay)

Softbank Hawks infielder Taisei Makihara started as the number six batter and second baseman, and recorded a sacrifice fly in his fourth at-bat. He was the only player in the starting line-up without a hit up to that point, but he showed his determination.

In the 7th inning with a three-run lead at 5-2, he stepped up to the plate with one out and the bases loaded. On a 2-2 count, he connected with a fastball from Nippon-Ham's Hori, hitting a shallow fly ball to left field. Nevertheless, the third-base runner Shuto, who won his fifth stolen base title this season for the fourth consecutive year, tagged up without hesitation. After a sprint, he finished with a head-first slide into home plate to bring in the sixth run.

In this match, a win or a draw would secure a spot in the Japan Series for the third consecutive year. Two key players fulfilled their respective roles, making a significant stride toward winning the Climax Series for the third year in a row.