SMBC Japan Series 2026 Game 4: Softbank Hawks vs. DeNA (28th, Mizuho PayPay)

Softbank Hawks, who are on the verge of winning consecutive championships as Japan's best, are aiming for a fastball finish.

They won consecutive games by prevailing in three straight extra inning contests since the opening game, a first in Japan Series history. They fully utilized their proud group of relievers, and the fielders responded to their efforts. On this day with the championship on the line, Yu Maeda makes his first Japan Series start. The 21-year-old, who had a breakout season with 12 wins and 1 loss, faces the DeNA lineup. The batting order features Yu Yamamoto fifth, Yanagita sixth, and Yamakawa seventh. There are high expectations for significant run support.

Softbank Hawks 's starting line-up is as follows:

1 (Right) Masaki

2 (middle) Zhou Higashi

3 (Left) Konfuji

4 (3) Kurihara

5 (Catcher) Yu Yamamoto

6 (DH) Yanagita

7 (1) Mountain River

8 (2) Makihara Dai

9 (Play) Shoko

Pitcher: Yu Maeda