Analysis of the priceless home run: "Since he handled it slightly out in front, he was able to take advantage of the power of the pitch..."

SMBC Nippon Series 2026 Game 2
● DeNA 3 － 4 Softbank Hawks ○
＜October 25, Yokohama Stadium＞

The game went into an extra inning for the second consecutive match, and with one out and no runner in the 10th inning, Softbank Hawks' Yuto Kawamura hit the game-winning home run.

Kawamura hit a priceless shot after coming on as a substitute. Tomotaka Sakaguchi, the MC of Fuji TV ONE's 'Professional baseball News 2026' broadcast on the 25th, shared his view: 'It might be rude to say it was unexpected, but in this situation, he hit a change-up to the center field screen without opening up his stance. Since he is a highly capable player, I am not surprised that he hit a Home Run itself, but considering this was his first at-bat in the Japan Series, I think he must have been very well-prepared on a daily basis.' Commentator Akihiko Ohya expressed his admiration, saying, 'I thought it was a miracle that it reached the center field screen even though he didn't swing that hard.'

Another commentator, Atsushi Kataoka, analyzed the play, saying, 'The pitch was a bit off-speed, but I think he pulled it in well and hit it at the point in front where the ball travels the furthest. If you let an off-speed pitch get too deep, you can get jammed, but the way he formed a wall with his front knee after hitting it suggests the bat head was really moving. That is why I think it was a Home Run that traveled further than he expected. I think the fact that a hitter who is not a home run hitter can hit a Home Run in that situation shows the strength of the Softbank Hawks.' Mr. Oya then remarked, 'It is about timing. Since he handled it slightly out in front, I think it was a Home Run where the ball popped off the bat by utilizing the power of the pitch. To be honest, even the person who hit it must be surprised.'

Furthermore, Kataoka praised Kawamura while considering his state of mind, saying, "I think he only had the desire to get on base. I believe that selfless mindset invited a Home Run in a situation like this. He probably wasn't even thinking about a long hit; the feeling of wanting to get on base by any means produced that kind of batted ball. That's why it was a wonderful piece of hitting."

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"