Softbank Hawks pitcher Yugo Maeda conducted independent practice at Mizuho PayPay Dome on the 17th. He appeared on the empty ground with pitching coach Kurano and played catch. They checked his pitch form and other details one-on-one.

He started in the third game of the CS Final Series on the 16th. Although it was his first postseason appearance, he contributed to the team's advancement to the Japan Series by pitching five innings and allowing two runs (one earned). At 21 years and 2 months old, he became the youngest player in franchise history to record a CS win. The day after, while the team had a full day off, he immediately began preparing for the Japan Series at the home stadium.

Coach Kurano said, "Please give Yugo a break from interviews today," allowing him to focus on conditioning, and emphasized his usual approach, stating, "A starting pitcher should really move around the next day for the sake of their next outing." After the pitch, he spent over 15 minutes giving advice. The left-hander, who had said he "wanted to go home early" even during the beer shower the previous night, remained grounded and focused on what lies ahead.