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

Softbank Hawks (1st in the Pacific League) have moved within one win of consecutive Japan Series titles. This was the first time in Japan Series history that the first three games all went into extra innings. In the 10th inning with the score tied 1-1, outfielder Tomoya Masaki (26) hit his second walk-off solo home run of the series. While DeNA suffered from poor offensive execution, setting a new record with 5 double plays in a single game, the rising star slugger decided the match with a single blow. Extending their winning streak in the championship series to 7 since last year, their total of 69 Japan Series victories is now the most for any team in the Pacific League. DeNA, aiming for an underdog championship victory from 3rd place in the Central League, now has their backs against the wall.

Softbank Hawks player Masaki's signature bullet line drive flew into the left-field terrace seats. It was one out in the bottom of the 10th extra inning. He powerfully struck a 152-kilometer pitch from the fifth pitcher, Ruiz, for a Home Run in two consecutive games. With what he called 'probably the first in my life' walk-off arch, he brought an end to the third consecutive extra inning game since the opening match, a first in Japan Series history.

“It was off the end (of the bat). So, I instinctively thought it might hit the wall directly,” he said, rounding second base at full speed before transitioning into a joyful jog. After crossing home plate to put his team one step away from their second consecutive championship, he received a boisterous celebration from his teammates who were waiting for him.

Since mid-May, he has established himself as the fixed leadoff hitter, but he had zero stolen bases this season. Even over his five-year professional career, he has remained at a total of only two stolen bases. His full swing is an attraction that more than compensates for his lack of mobility. The arching shot he hit in the Orix Buffaloes game on June 24th (at Mizuho PayPay) recorded a hit ball speed of 188 km/h, the fastest among all 12 teams this season. He produced many low-trajectory home runs and hit 28 in total, including a club-record 7 leadoff home runs.

He further refined his hitting power on the big stage. During the second game of the CS Final Stage against Nippon-Ham on the 15th, he received advice from his teammate Kondo on how to better utilize the head of the bat. He worked on making improvements starting from practice and felt the results. 'In the past, that probably would have hit the fence or been a fly ball to left field,' he said, feeling confident in the extra carry he got today.

In the Japan Series two years ago, they suffered a shocking four consecutive losses after winning the first two games away in Yokohama. Since a single loss could have created a negative atmosphere, Manager Kokubo's face was flushed with excitement as he stood on the podium. 'We just need to win one more,' he said. During their six-game winning streak since the final stage of the Climax Series, five have been comeback victories. The champions do not go down easily. Without letting their guard down, they will seize the title for the second consecutive year in one fell swoop. (Koichiro Shimao)