Japan Series: Softbank Hawks stage a dramatic comeback to tie the game with Itua Ikhine's incredible head-first slide. The series enters extra innings for the third consecutive game since the opener, a first in series history. Ikhine was the 2022 first-round draft pick and has appeared in 10 professional games total.

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In the bottom of the 9th with two outs and a runner on second, second-base runner Itua Ikhine scores on Taisei Makihara's RBI single to right (Photo by Shuji Asada).

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

Softbank Hawks infielder Itua Ikhine returned home with some divine base running.

Brought in as a pinch runner with two outs and a runner on second in the ninth inning while trailing by one run, he rounded third base at full speed on Makihara's RBI single to right and headed for home. He finished with a head-first slide. DeNA manager Aikawa requested a replay review, but the call was not overturned. The young Hawk, a 2022 first-round draft pick with only 10 first-team appearances, delivered in the clutch. The following batter, Yamamoto, was retired, and the game entered extra innings for the third consecutive match.

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Japan Series: Softbank Hawks stage a dramatic comeback to tie the game with Itua Ikhine's incredible head-first slide. The series enters extra innings for the third consecutive game since the opener, a first in series history. Ikhine was the 2022 first-round draft pick and has appeared in 10 professional games total.