SMBC Japan Series 2026 Game 3: Softbank Hawks vs DeNA (27th, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

The Softbank Hawks were held scoreless by DeNA's Azuma through the fifth inning.

A terrible offensive performance with three double plays by the fifth inning. In the second inning, with two outs, Yamakawa reached on a shortstop infield hit, and the following hitter Makihara hit a single to center to put runners on first and third, but Umino struck out swinging. In the fifth inning, with runners on first and third and two outs, Shuto grounded out to second. Except for the second inning, the leadoff hitter reached base in every inning, but they were unable to score any runs.

The 2024 Japan Series features the same matchup as this time. They got off to a strong start with two consecutive wins at Yokohama Stadium, but suffered four straight losses starting from Game 3 after moving to their home stadium. This year, they also won two straight games away and entered Game 3 in the exact same situation. Two years ago, the opposing starter for Game 3 was also Azuma. They gave up the opening run in the first inning, and although they caught up immediately, they lost 1-4. After winning two straight, they lost four in a row and missed out on the championship.