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

He heightened his concentration to the limit and swung the bat through. It was the 11th inning with one out and runners on first and second in a tie game. Softbank Hawks' Shoji struck a 150 km/h pitch from the seventh pitcher, Baba. The ball flew over the head of left fielder Watarai, who was his classmate back at Yokohama High School. 'Before I knew it, I had hit it, and before I knew it, I was at second base.' The young Hawk in his second year out of university hit the game-winning doble. When he saw the dugout standing in unison, a smile burst across his face.

This season, he pushed aside the likes of Imamiya and Kawase to secure the starting shortstop position. He played with confidence even in his first-ever postseason. He recorded a batting average of .455 in the CS Final Stage and won the MVP award. He also demonstrated high performance in the Japan Series, where he made his first start. In the 7th inning with no outs and runners on second and third, he hit a ground ball to second base to score the opening run, recording his first RBI of the series. In addition to his first hit in the 5th inning, it was a hit that decided the game. He showed no hesitation even on the big stage. He is from Yokohama, Kanagawa. He feels the away venue, Yokohama Stadium, is like home. 'If I was going to watch a game, it felt like it had to be at Hamasta,' he said. It is a place where he went to cheer since childhood and where he aspired to become a professional baseball player. He spent his career at Yokohama High School and Kanagawa University, and has actually played there. He is well-acquainted with the height of the wall and how the ball bounces.

After turning professional, he headed to Fukuoka. Even after leaving his hometown, he continues to cherish what he cultivated in Kanagawa. 'Since I started baseball, my mother has always told me to have humility and gratitude.' This season, he appeared in a career-high 108 games. While attention is often drawn to his habit of never missing early morning practice, Shoji himself remains humble, saying, 'It would be impossible for me alone. I must not take for granted the presence of the batting pitchers and analysts.' He always makes sure to express his gratitude to the groundkeepers and the behind-the-scenes staff.

In the championship series two years ago, they suffered four consecutive losses after starting with two wins. Having won the first game against the same opponent, DeNA, Manager Kokubo praised the performance, saying, 'Shoji really hit well. I just want to focus on winning three more games.' It was a perfect momentum shift created by an unexpected hero. They intend to keep this momentum going all the way. (Toshiki Moriguchi)