The SMBC Nippon Series 2026 will move to Mizuho PayPay for Game 3 on the 27th. The announced starting pitchers are Haru Matsumoto (25) for the Softbank Hawks (1st in the Pacific League), who have two consecutive wins, and Katsuki Azuma (30) for DeNA (3rd in the Central League), who have yet to record a win; both are 12-win left-handers this season.

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Softbank Hawks' Haru Matsumoto participated in the team's general practice at their home stadium on the 26th. Preparing for the left-handed showdown against DeNA's Azuma, he adjusted through activities such as playing catch and steeled himself, saying, 'There is pressure that comes with being on a big stage, but what I need to do remains the same. I will compete with all my might for as long as I can go.'

This is a match that could be called a key point. The 2024 Japan Series features the same matchup as this time. They got off to a good start with two consecutive wins at Yokohama Stadium, but suffered four consecutive losses starting from the third game after moving to their home field. The left-hander, who takes on a major role in the exact same situation, intends to shake off bitter memories by attacking aggressively, saying, 'I think the lineup is very powerful, but there is no need to run away. I want to believe in my own pitches and compete within the strike zone.'

In the Japan Series over the past two years, he appeared in two games each as a reliever. This season, he made a breakthrough as a starter, recording 12 wins (and 3 losses), tying for the team lead. 'I was able to prepare well,' said Haru Matsumoto. Without letting the momentum slip away, he aims to put the team one step closer to consecutive Japan Series titles. (Toyoki Moriguchi)