[Japan Series] Softbank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo mentions Yuudai Yamamoto's mid-game substitution: "We'll see after he arrives tomorrow." After a Hit by Pitch near his left wrist in the 11th extra inning, he continued playing following treatment, but was substituted after reaching third base: "It seemed like his grip strength wouldn't return by the time he had to play defense in the next inning..." | Pacific League.com

[Japan Series] Softbank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo mentioned Yuudai Yamamoto, who was substituted mid-game, saying "We'll see after he arrives tomorrow." In the 11th extra inning, he was a Hit by Pitch near his left wrist, continued playing after treatment, but was substituted after reaching third base because "it seemed like his grip strength wouldn't return by the time he had to defend the next inning..."

Sports Hochi

October 24, 2026 23:39

Yudai Yamamoto, who was struck by a Hit by Pitch in the 11th extra inning

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

Softbank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo mentioned catcher Yudai Yamamoto, who was substituted during the game.

In the 11th extra inning with one out and a runner on second, Yamamoto was hit near his left wrist by the first pitch from DeNA's Baba. He collapsed on the spot and briefly retreated to the bench for treatment, but continued to play. The following batter, Shoji, hit a go-ahead doble to left field. Once Yamamoto reached third base, pinch-runner Ogata was sent in. The manager explained, 'We will have to see how he is tomorrow. Since it didn't look like his grip strength would return by the time he had to play defense in the next inning, I replaced him there.'

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