SMBC Japan Series 2026 Game 3: Softbank Hawks 2-1 DeNA (10th extra inning, 27th, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

The Softbank Hawks secured their third consecutive victory, putting them one win away from their second straight Japan Series title. After tying the game in the ninth inning with an RBI hit by Taisei Makihara, Masaki hit a walk-off home run in the 10th extra inning. Manager Hiroki Kokubo raised his voice in excitement. The following is the Q&A session.

That was a nice game.

"thank you very much"

That was a thrilling battle. How are you feeling right now?

"Three consecutive games have gone into extra innings since the Japan Series started. Every game has been so close it could have gone either way, but Makihara came through with a great hit. And Ihine, making his debut on the Japan Series stage as a pinch runner, did a great job returning home. Masaki is waiting as the final hero, so everyone, please hear from Masaki."

Makihara hits a brilliant RBI single off Reynolds.

After the leadoff hitter Kurihara got on with a hit, the next two batters were retired, but I was thinking of putting in Ihine for the cleanup hitter Kurihara once there were two outs. I think the persistence of the relievers allowed us to turn it into a thrilling game.

A win achieved by everyone. They won three consecutive extra inning games from the season opener for the first time in history.

Yes, anyway, we just need to win one more. I will do my best.