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

The Softbank Hawks have won two games in a row and are now two wins away from their second consecutive Japan Series title. This marks their 68th total victory in the Japan Series. The Pacific League is now tied for the most wins, alongside the Seibu Lions.

In the bottom of the 9th with one out and trailing by one run, pinch hitter and infielder Hotaka Yamakawa hit a game-tying solo home run to revive the team. The shot, which landed in the top tier of the left-field stands, saved the team, and Manager Kokubo expressed his joy, saying, 'He likely felt frustrated not being in the starting line-up, but his charm is hitting a home run exactly when needed, and he delivered in that very moment today.' In the 8th inning, pitcher Yuki Matsumoto had given up a go-ahead three-run homer to Tsutsugo. Immediately after that nightmare, the slugger who was crowned MVP in last year's Japan Series exploded, and in the 10th inning, substitute outfielder Yuto Kawamura hit a go-ahead solo home run. The underdog, who had only one career Home Run, launched a shot into the center-field screen for the first time since 2024. The team won the extra inning game for the second night in a row.

In the third inning with one out, outfielder Tomoya Masaki hit a solo Home Run to take the lead. The slugger, who had a breakout season with 28 Home Run, sent his first-ever Japan Series arch into the upper deck of the left-field stands. In the fourth inning with two outs and a runner on first, infielder Yudai Shoji hit a timely doble that split right-center field. The second-year youngster, who was named the CS MVP and excelled in Game 1 on the 24th with two hit and two RBI including the game-winning hit, shone once again. Born in Kanagawa and having attended Yokohama High School and Kanagawa University, he and Tomoya Masaki, a Keio High School alumnus, formed a breakout duo this season that thrived in a place they share deep ties with.

Just before Shoji's timely hit, catcher Yudai Yamamoto hit a single to left field. He connected with a 153 km/h pitch from Ogata, who was his trade counterpart back in May. In the first game, he was substituted mid-game due to the impact of a Hit by Pitch near his left wrist. Although there were concerns about his condition, he was named in the starting line-up and recorded a hit for the second consecutive game. The starting pitcher, Moinelo, threw 7 innings allowing 5 hits and 0 runs. While he suffered an unexpected early knockout in the third inning during the first game of the CS Final Series on the 14th, he made a brilliant recovery.

Hiroshi Matsumoto gave up a game-tying home run to Maki in Game 1 as well. With home runs allowed in two consecutive games, his shaky pitching continues. Two years ago, the team started with two straight wins in Yokohama but then suffered four consecutive losses. With the bitter memory of missing out on the championship still fresh, they cannot afford to let their guard down yet.