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

Softbank Hawks Haru Matsumoto pitcher left the mound after 6 innings with 6 hit and 1 runs.

In the first inning, he gave up a doble to Maki with one out, but shut out the next batter in the field. In the third inning, he allowed a single to right field to leadoff hitter Furuichi, but held Naruse to a grounder to shortstop double play. In the fifth inning, with two outs and a runner on second, he gave up a go-ahead single to center field to Furuichi. In the sixth inning, with two outs and runners on second and third, he closer Tsutsugo swinging and struck out.

After appearing on the mound, he commented, "I was very nervous, but I was able to turn that tension into power for my performance. Although I allowed the opening run, I think I was able to deliver a pitch that was true to my style."

In this fourth season, he recorded 12 wins (and 3 losses), achieving a breakout year. Although he was scheduled to start in the fourth game of the Climax Series Final Stage, he did not have the opportunity to pitch as the team advanced with three consecutive victories.

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 again won two consecutive games away and entered Game 3 in the exact same situation. Two years ago, they gave up the opening run in the first inning, and although they caught up immediately, they lost 1-4. They missed out on becoming the champions of Japan after losing four straight games following two initial wins.