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.

Although they were overtaken in the eighth inning by Tsutsugo's three-run shot, pinch-hitter Yamakawa hit a game-tying solo home run in the ninth. In the tenth inning, the unexpected hero Kawamura, who had only one career Home Run, launched the go-ahead blast to win their second consecutive game in an extra inning.

The following is an interview with Manager Kokubo.

Won a hard-fought battle for two consecutive days.

Thank you very much for staying and supporting us until so late during the extra inning games both yesterday and today.

—Hotaka Yamakawa's home run

He probably feels some frustration about not being in the starting line-up. However, his charm lies in hitting a home run exactly when it is needed, and he appeared in just such a moment today where we wanted him to hit one.

The game was decided by Kawamura, who came off the bench for his first at-bat in the Japan Series.

Well, you know, both those of us in the dugout and all the fans thought that home run was truly unexpected, didn't we?

Starting with consecutive wins on enemy ground is the same as two years ago.

That's right. Well, I'll just focus on winning two more games, travel tomorrow, and prepare for the games starting on Tuesday.

Enthusiasm for the third match

Since it's already the end, as I said earlier, we just need two wins.