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

Softbank Hawks catcher Yudai Yamamoto hit a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning to extend the lead to two runs.

In the sixth inning with a one-run lead and runners on first and third with one out, he hit a left sacrifice fly. After confirming Shuto had crossed the plate, he pumped his fist. In the fourth inning, trailing by two runs with two outs and runners on first and second, he hit a game-tying triple down the right-field line. Having watched an intentional walk take place right before him, he headed to the plate and reflected excitedly while shouting on the basepath, 'I was determined to make the most of this opportunity. I felt my emotions heating up, and I was able to hang in there even after being pushed into a corner.' He recorded 3 RBI against his former team, fulfilling his role as the number five hitter.

The day before, Masaki hit a walk-off home run in the 10th extra inning. The team won a hard-fought battle that marked the first time in history that the first three games of a series went into extra innings, putting them one win away from consecutive championships.