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

It was a game that really made me feel the depth of the Softbank Hawks' batting lineup once again.

While the powerful top of the lineup featuring Masaki, Shuto, Kondo, Kurihara, and Yanagita stands out, the quality of the bottom of the lineup is actually superb. Shoji's game-winning hit in the 8th spot certainly came in a situation where the outfield was playing shallow, but he hit a low, outside fastball the other way without resisting it, and it was a powerful drive that went over the outfielders' heads. Between that and the run scored in the 7th inning following consecutive hits from the 6th hitter Makihara and 7th hitter Yamamoto, the game was ultimately decided by the difference in the bottom of the lineup. It is impressive how strong they are, considering Yanagimachi and Yamakawa are still waiting on the bench. Conversely, for DeNA, the absence of Encarnacion was painful. The intimidation factor from the 5th spot onwards inevitably pales in comparison to the Softbank Hawks.

The fact that Shoji, batting eighth, is maintaining his strong form from the Climax Series is incredibly significant for the Softbank Hawks. From the perspective of the opposing battery, he is quite a nuisance. This is especially true since the top of the lineup is already filled with some of the best hitters in the baseball world. For DeNA to stay in the game, the pitching staff simply needs to pitch with tenacity. If the pitchers, starting with Yuya Ishida, can throw without fearing this lineup more than necessary as they did in this game, there should be a chance for victory. (Shinichi Murata, Sports Hochi Critic)