Softbank Hawks pitcher Yugo Maeda (21) immediately began preparations for the Japan Series on the 17th. Although it was a day off for the team, the left-hander, who started in Game 3 of the Final Stage against Nippon-Ham at Mizuho PayPay on the 16th to secure the Climax Series victory, conducted voluntary practice at the same stadium. He engaged in a game of catch with pitching coach Shinji Kurano and confirmed his pitch form during a conversation lasting approximately 20 minutes.

In his first postseason appearance, he pitched five innings allowing two runs (one earned). At 21 years and 2 months old, he became the youngest in franchise history to record a CS win. The next morning, there was no sign of excitement on his face. Coach Kurano also emphasized a return to normalcy, saying 'Please spare him from interviews' to let him focus on adjustments, adding 'It is better to move around the next day, especially looking toward the next game.' Regarding the starting rotation for the Japan Series, he mentioned it is 'decided to some extent,' and the opponent has been confirmed as DeNA. Maeda Yu's turn is certain; in an interleague game on June 6th at Yokohama, he earned a win by pitching five innings with one hit and one run. Having contributed to three consecutive league titles with 12 straight wins from the season opener and now having experienced the tension of the CS, the young Hawk, who said it would 'be a great asset,' will also be active in the final showdown. (Osamu Ando)