SMBC Japan Series 2026 Game 1 DeNA vs Softbank Hawks (24th, Yokohama)

Softbank Hawks pitcher Roberto Osuna escaped a walk-off loss crisis in the 10th extra inning.

The right-hander who took the mound from this inning faced a situation with two outs and a runner on third after a hit and an intentional walk. He gave an intentional walk to Maki, who had hit a game-tying solo home run, to face the third batter, Sano. After allowing a stolen base to put runners on second and third, he called for a timeout with the count at 3-1. He took off his goggles to take a moment before facing Sano. He brought it to a full count with a foul ball and struck out the batter swinging on the sixth pitch.

Osuna stood tall, letting out a roar. He slowly left the mound, passing the momentum to his team's offense. It was just like Naoko Takahashi, who threw off her sunglasses right before her final spurt to win the gold medal in the women's marathon at the Sydney Olympics.