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

In Game 2 of the SMBC Japan Series 2026, the Softbank Hawks (1st in the Pacific League) defeated DeNA (3rd in the Central League) 4-3 after an extra inning for the second consecutive game, securing back-to-back wins at the away Yokohama Stadium. In the 10th extra inning, outfielder Yuto Kawamura (27) hit a priceless game-winning solo shot. The underdog, with only one career Home Run, led the team to its 68th total series victory—tying the Seibu Lions for the most in the Pacific League—with a Home Run in his first series plate appearance, becoming the 17th player in history to do so. For DeNA, the number four batter and infielder Yoshitomo Tsutsugo (34) hit a comeback three-run Home Run in the 8th inning while trailing 0-2, but they suffered a bitter consecutive loss. Game 3 will be held on the 27th at Mizuho PayPay.

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The veteran slugger and four-time Home Run king saved the team from a desperate situation with a 'counter-arch.' With Softbank Hawks trailing by one run in the ninth inning, Yamakawa entered as a pinch hitter with one out and blasted a game-tying solo home run into the upper left-field stands. The game had been turned upside down in the eighth inning by Tsutsugo's go-ahead three-run shot. 'I knew it the moment I hit it. It was a good home run given the situation,' he said. Looking at the dugout where everyone was standing with a smile, he also unleashed his first 'Dosukoi' celebration of the season.

His position is different from a year ago when he led the team to a championship with home runs in three consecutive games starting from Game 2 and was crowned MVP. This season, he hit .178 with 11 Home Runs in 58 games. Pushed aside by Masaki, who had a breakout season with 28 home runs, he started on the bench for the second consecutive game in this series as well, but he demonstrated his clutch hitting when it mattered most.

During this season, where he struggled with a slump, he made fine adjustments every day to his bat, his stance, and how he lifted his leg. It was a year of constantly searching for a feeling that suited him, one that would appear only to vanish again. On the 23rd, the day before the series opened, he received advice from Chairman Oh. The two points were to 'handle the ball out in front' and 'you don't need to swing that hard.' He remarked, 'He talks to me regularly, and I'm very happy about it. It gives me courage.' Regarding the home run that served as a way of giving back, Chairman Oh also broke into a smile, saying, 'It flew off with an easy swing, didn't it?'

After starting with two consecutive wins, the battleground moves to the home stadium, Mizuho PayPay Dome. Three games will be played under the DH system. Manager Kokubo only commented, "That's right. I haven't decided on the lineup at all yet," but it seems likely that opportunities will increase. The slugger looked ahead, saying, "I want to make sure I treat the first pitch of the next game with great importance." To achieve consecutive championships in Japan, this man is undoubtedly indispensable. (Toyo Moriguchi)

[Records Room]

Distinguished Home Run Club Record: Yamakawa (SoftBank) hit a game-tying solo Home Run as a pinch hitter in the 9th inning. This marks the 34th time a pinch-hit Home Run has been recorded in the Japan Series, by 32 different players. For the team (including its predecessors), it is the first since Nieves in the 9th inning of Game 1 in 2000, 26 years ago. This is Yamakawa's 5th career Home Run in the series, following Game 2 in 2024 and Games 2 through 4 last year. He is the 5th player in team history to reach 5 or more, tying for 2nd place. His 4 distinguished Home Runs are the most in team history.

[Home Run] Distinguished Service (Opening, Tying, Winning, Go-ahead)

9 Kenji Johjima 2 (1-1-0-0)

5 Katsuya Nomura 3 (2-0-0-1)

5 Gracia 3 (1-1-0-1)

5 Yuki Yanagita 3 (-.1.1.1)

5 Hotaka Yamakawa 4 (2-2- - -)