2026 Persol Climax Series Pacific League Final Stage Game 3: Softbank Hawks 6-2 Nippon-Ham (16th, Mizuho PayPay)

Nippon-Ham suffered three consecutive losses to the Softbank Hawks and failed to advance to the Japan Series. It was a humiliating experience to lose to the Softbank Hawks in the Climax Series Final Stage for the third consecutive year at their away ground in Fukuoka. After the game, Manager Shinjo said, "It was a complete defeat. Next year, we must fight in all aspects, including a solid pitcher rotation, or the same thing will happen again. However, the players did a great job. Being able to play baseball until this time of year will definitely lead to their growth."

A lose where they succumbed to the power of the champions in both pitching and batting. When asked about the difference with the Softbank Hawks, Manager Shinjo pointed out, "They are good at baseball. The way they advance the runner, and their strength in clutch moments. I think the batting coaches tell the players to aim for this on this count, or to decide on a course and drive it there, and the players are responding to that."

The lineup succeeded in taking the lead for the second consecutive game in the first inning with two outs and runners on first and second, when Kotaro Kiyomiya hit a timely RBI single to right field. Although the game was tied in the third inning after allowing a timely RBI single to left by Shoji, they managed to pull ahead in the fifth inning through Mizuno's infield hit to second base. However, in the bottom of that inning, starter Takayuki Kato gave up a go-ahead two-run home run to Masaki. Kato left the mound in the middle of the fifth inning, having allowed six hits and three runs. He commented, 'It is frustrating that I allowed the lead to be overturned due to my own pitching mistake just when we had good momentum after pulling ahead.' In the sixth inning, Yi-Lei Sun and Tamai were also caught, giving up two more points.

Once again, they hit a massive wall. The commander looked toward a counterattack next season, stating, 'This year is even more frustrating; I'm so frustrated that I've come full circle. However, I believe things will change next year. Since we lost this badly, I think the front office will consider various options.'