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

Softbank Hawks has secured their third consecutive appearance in the Japan Series, and their 23rd overall, the most in Pacific League history. They advanced through the final stage of the "2026 Persol Climax Series Pacific" (CS) (S = best of seven games, first to five wins) with three straight wins from the first game. With three consecutive come-from-behind victories, they took a 5-0 lead, including a two-game advantage. In the fifth inning with one out and a runner on second base, outfielder Tomoya Masaki (26) hit a game-winning, go-ahead two-run homer. infielder Yudai Shoji (24), who had 5 At Bat in 11 hit over the three games, was named MVP. The final stage saw the same matchup for the third consecutive year. The league champions have earned the right to challenge for their 13th Japan Series title, their second in a row.

Softbank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo (55) relaxed his expression. "I was determined to finish it here. I'm glad we could win three straight," he said. Including the one-win advantage, they swept the Climax Series without a single loss. They have now eliminated Nippon-Ham for the third consecutive year.

Masaki, the leadoff hitter who was also the driving force behind the team's three consecutive league titles, performed well again today. In the fifth inning with one out and a runner on second, trailing by one run, he hit a go-ahead two-run Home Run to left field. In the defense immediately preceding this, with the score tied 1-1 and a runner on first with no outs, he had made a bad throw to second base on a ground ball to first, which led to the opponent taking the lead. 'I was determined to make up for it. That was my only thought.' His concentration allowed him to flip the game with a single swing. In the three games of the Final Stage, he produced results with a .333 batting average, 1 Home Run, and 4 RBI. He earned 1 million yen in prize money with the Persol Award. Even the manager groaned in admiration, saying, 'Masaki was amazing for hitting that after his error.'

Last season, he was selected as the number five hitter for the opening game, but he suffered a subluxation of his left shoulder in April. He missed the rest of the regular season and struggled in the Climax Series, recording only 1 hit in 9 At Bats over three games. In his fifth year, which he approached with unwavering determination, he fully blossomed as an ultra-aggressive leadoff hitter starting in mid-May. Aiming to create a 'new image of a leadoff hitter,' he produced a career-high 28 Home Runs, including 7 leadoff Home Runs that broke the franchise record.

In addition to his power hitting, he has also refined his plate discipline. His 60 Walk rank third in the league, following his teammates and core lineup members Kondo (101) and Kurihara (75). His routine before games involves using the Traject Arc (a batting practice machine with video), where he always simulates game conditions by requesting, "One ball lower, please." Before the second game on the 15th, he arrived early to adjust his form. Seeking better hitting while stating, "It's not that my condition is bad," he put in the work, which led to 2 hit in the actual game.

Against Shinjo's Ham, whom they dominated in the regular season with 18 wins, 5 losses, and 2 draws, they went undefeated with 3 wins in the CS as well. They decided it brilliantly, with every single one being a comeback win. This marks their third consecutive appearance in the Japan Series. Manager Kokubo vowed, 'As representatives of the Pacific League, we will play without shame and without any openings.' They are rock-solid as they aim for their 13th overall championship and second in a row. They will continue to charge ahead as the strong champions. (Toui Moriguchi)