◆ Who is the key player for Game 4 named by Mr. Manaka? "How will the fire be ignited?"

On the 27th, the Softbank Hawks secured a walk-off win in Game 3 of the SMBC Japan Series 2026, putting them one step away from their second consecutive championship. On the other hand, the third batter Kensuke Kondo, the fourth batter Ryoya Kurihara, and the fifth batter Yuki Yanagita have been held by the closer without a Home Run or RBI for three consecutive games.

On the Fuji TV ONE broadcast of 'Professional baseball News 2026' on the 27th, commentator Takahiro Saeki pointed out, 'The most concerning point is the lack of RBI from the cleanup hitters. It depends on how the cleanup hitting connects; if they don't hit, runs won't be scored.' Another commentator, Hiroki Nomura, analyzed, 'Looking at Game 3, even when the ball is hit in the air, they are just pop flies and not well-hit balls. Kurihara had one hit over right field, but I wouldn't say he is performing like the Kurihara we've seen this season.' He added, 'However, it will be a major problem if this cleanup crew starts hitting. It will be eerie if they improve further, as you never know when they will start hitting.'

The MC, Mitsuru Manaka, named Kondo as the key player for Game 4, noting, 'His condition isn't quite as good as usual. If Kondo starts hitting, he will truly become unstoppable. I'm watching to see how he might catch fire from the fourth game onward.'

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"