[Japan Series] Softbank Hawks' Taisei Makihara collides head-on with Shugo Maki. His right elbow appears to hit Maki's face directly. Although he crouched down on the spot, he stood back up and continued playing | Pacific League.com

[Japan Series] Softbank Hawks' Taisei Makihara collides head-on with Shugo Maki. His right elbow appeared to hit Maki's face directly. Although he crouched down on the spot, he stood back up and continued playing.

Sports Hochi

October 28, 2026 19:31

In the fifth inning with no outs, Taisei Makihara laid down a safety bunt in front of the pitcher and sprinted to first base, but collided with Shugo Maki, who had moved to cover the bag (Camera by Shuji Asada).

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

Softbank Hawks, aiming for their second consecutive Japan Series title with four straight wins, saw the stadium fall into a commotion following an accident involving infielder Taisei Makihara.

In the bottom of the fifth with no outs, he attempted a safety bunt toward first and sprinted at full speed. However, he collided head-on with Maki, who had moved to cover first base, and collapsed on the spot. The stadium fell into a commotion as Maki's elbow appeared to strike Makihara's face, but Makihara eventually stood up and headed to the dugout. He remained in the game as it was not a serious injury, but fans watched on with worried expressions.

In the first inning, DeNA, with their backs against the wall, took the lead with a two-run home run by Sano. Although they showed an indomitable spirit, the Softbank Hawks turned the tide with a counterattack in the fourth inning.

Using Masaki's Walk as a starting point, they attacked the starting pitcher Taira. With two outs and runners on first and second, Yamamoto Yu, who joined via trade from DeNA this May, hit a game-tying two-run triple down the right-field line. Furthermore, Yanagita hit a go-ahead RBI single to center, completing a brilliant comeback.

For the first time in history, this series went into extra innings for three consecutive games starting from the first match. Although they faced a series of close contests against DeNA, who had advanced through the Climax Series with significant momentum, they secured three straight victories by demonstrating their superior depth and fundamental strength.

In the second game, despite being overtaken in the eighth inning by Tsutsugo's three-run shot, they caught up in the ninth with a solo shot from pinch-hitter Yamakawa, and Kawamura, who had only one career Home Run, hit the game-winner in the extra inning. In the third game, trailing 0-1 in the ninth, they tied it up with an RBI hit by Makihara, and in the 10th extra inning, Masaki hit what he called his first-ever walk-off home run.