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

Softbank Hawks infielder Yudai Shoji won his first career CS MVP. He performed well with 5 hits in 11 At Bats and 2 RBI over three games. On this day, he started as the number 9 hitter and shortstop, delivering a game-tying RBI hit to left field with one out and a runner on third in the third inning while trailing by one run.

At the post-game awards ceremony, he received 1 million yen in prize money. Manager Kokubo praised him, saying, 'He was like a lucky boy throughout this series. Hikaru Kawase was also watchfully waiting for his chance, but he didn't give up his position and kept going strong until the very end.'