SMBC Japan Series 2026 Game 1: DeNA 1-3 Softbank Hawks (11th extra inning) (24th, Yokohama)

The Softbank Hawks defeated DeNA after 11 extra innings. They secured the win starting from a hit by a 38-year-old veteran. Yanagita reached base as the lead-off hitter with a doble that deflected off the glove of first baseman Sano. Although there was a failed bunt afterwards, Shoji hit a timely doble to left field during a scoring opportunity with runners on first and second and one out. Furthermore, they scored a third run on a sacrifice fly by pinch-hitter Yanagimachi.

Shoji, who hit .455 in the CS Final Stage and earned 1 million yen in prize money as the MVP, maintained his momentum and showed his presence in the championship series as well. The 24-year-old joined the team as a second-round draft pick in 2024 after attending Yokohama High School and Kanagawa University. He delivered the game-winning hit in a match held at his 'hometown' venue, Yokohama Stadium.

They achieved a third consecutive league title with overwhelming strength, finishing 11.5 games ahead of the second-place Seibu Lions with 42 games over .500. On the other hand, DeNA was only 2 games over .500. Although they finished third, 7.5 games behind the Hanshin Tigers, they won consecutive games against The Giants in the first stage of the CS and then swept four straight games against the Hanshin Tigers in the final stage. They neutralized the momentum of an opponent that had entered the championship series undefeated.

Both teams also faced each other in the Japan Series two years ago in 2024. Coincidentally, two years ago, both teams also had the same '40-game over .500' margin during the regular season. Although the Softbank Hawks started with consecutive wins, they subsequently suffered four straight losses, allowing a humiliating 'gekokujo' upset. While Team Chairman Sadaharu Oh had vowed to 'double the payback' when inspecting the night practice on the previous day, the 23rd, the team has now gotten off to a promising start.