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

Softbank Hawks Chairman Sadaharu Oh expressed his joy over the victory in Game 1 of the Japan Series. In the top of the 11th extra inning with the score tied 1-1, Shoji hit a decisive game-winning doble to left field with one out and runners on first and second. He praised the rising star, who was named MVP of the Climax Series with a .445 batting average (5 hits in 11 At Bat), saying, 'He came through in a great spot. He has been in excellent form, especially during the second half of this year.'

Starting pitcher Uwasawa delivered a powerful performance, pitching seven scoreless innings with zero runs. The manager praised his game management, noting that he threw only 97 pitches, saying, "I was a little worried at the start, but his pitch count remained low."

He stated that the ultimate goal is to achieve a second consecutive championship by getting revenge, noting, 'We lost to DeNA the year before last.' He nodded and added, 'It was a tense game from the start. It was intense. It was a great game right from the beginning. They worked hard.'

In the same championship showdown against DeNA two years ago, they suffered a humiliating upset, losing four straight games after starting with two consecutive wins. When inspecting the night practice on the 23rd, the previous day, he inspired the team by vowing to 'pay them back double.'