[Japan Series] Softbank Hawks Manager Hiroki Kokubo: "I was extremely conflicted," but did not send a pinch hitter for Naoyuki Uwasawa during a scoring opportunity in the 7th inning. "If we're going to win, it's 1-0." | Pacific League.com

[Japan Series] Softbank Hawks Manager Hiroki Kokubo: "I was extremely conflicted," but did not send a pinch hitter for Naoyuki Uwasawa during a scoring opportunity in the 7th inning, stating, "If we're going to win, it's 1-0."

Sports Hochi

October 24, 2026 23:33

Manager Hiroki Kokubo giving the winning manager interview (Camera: Koji Sakai)

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

Softbank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo looked back on his decision-making in the 7th inning. With a runner on third and one out in the 7th inning immediately after taking the lead, he did not send in a pinch hitter for Uwasawa. Uwasawa struck out looking, and the following batter Masaki flew out to center, failing to add any insurance runs. The manager explained, "I agonized over it a lot, but I felt that if we were going to win today, it would be 1-0."

Although Matsumoto gave up a game-tying solo home run in the 8th inning, they took the lead in the 11th extra inning with Shoji's timely doble and Yanagimachi's sacrifice fly. Having won the first game with every starting fielder recording a hit, he remarked, "That is the best part. Everyone was able to get off to a good start."