SMBC Japan Series 2026 Game 2 DeNA 3-4 Softbank Hawks = 10th extra inning = (25th, Yokohama)

The Softbank Hawks secured consecutive victories, bringing their record to two wins and zero losses. They emerged victorious in a fierce battle that marked the second time in series history that the first two games both went into an extra inning.

In the eighth inning with a two-run lead, they gave up a go-ahead three-run home run to Tsutsugo, but Yamakawa hit a life-saving game-tying solo home run in the ninth. In the top of the tenth extra inning with one out, substitute player Kawamura hit a go-ahead solo home run to secure the victory.

Kawamura, the hero of the game, hit a shot into the center-field screen off the seventh pitcher, Ise. His batting average this season was .095, and his first Home Run since the game against the Rakuten Eagles on September 22, 2024 (at Mizuho PayPay Dome) came at the most crucial moment. It was such a surprising shot that Manager Kokubo even remarked, 'An unexpected home run.'

He joined the team from Sendai University as the second pick in the 2021 developmental draft. With a regular season batting average of .095, this dark horse, who is also a specialist in defense and base running, accomplished a major feat.