Hatsuhiko Tsuji, who appeared on 'Professional baseball News 2026' broadcast on Fuji TV ONE on the 17th, views the number one hitter of both teams as the key to the Japan Series between the Softbank Hawks and DeNA.

Mr. Tsuji said, "It's about the lead-off hitters for both teams. It might be a bit tough if they don't get Masaki out as the closer. Since the cleanup hitters are good, it's a matter of whether the first and second batters can function. After all, both are stadiums where it's easy to hit a home run."

Yutaka Takagi, who appeared on the same program, also named DeNA's leadoff hitter Ryuki Watarai as a potential key player for DeNA in the Japan Series, saying, 'I think it might be someone like Watarai.'

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"