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

Softbank Hawks pitcher Hernandez escaped a walk-off loss crisis. He took the mound as the third pitcher in the 9th inning with the score tied 1-1. After getting the lead-off batter Tsutsugo to swing and be struck out, he retired Kajiwara on a fly ball to center.

After Mimori reached on a hit to center with two outs, a stolen second base was allowed on the fourth pitch of the following at-bat by Hayashi. Subsequently, a stolen third base was also allowed on the seventh pitch, resulting in two outs and a runner on third. Nevertheless, in the end, Hayashi was struck out swinging on a slider from a full count.

The Kokubo The Hawks aim to become the champions of Japan for the second consecutive year by defeating DeNA, the team they lost to in the Japan Series two years ago. The first game has already gone into an extra inning.