SMBC Japan Series 2026 Game 4: Softbank Hawks 4-2 DeNA (28th, Mizuho PayPay)

Softbank Hawks pitcher Kazuki Sugiyama became the winning pitcher of the final game and was honored with the Outstanding Player Award for the SMBC Japan Series 2026.

The right-hander, who recorded the most saves last season with 31, suffered a fracture in his left hand after hitting the bench following an appearance in April this year. Despite being forced into a painful absence, he recorded 35 saves in 55 appearances, securing the title of save leader for the second consecutive year alongside Machado (Orix Buffaloes) and Yokoyama (Lotte).

He pitched in all four games of the Japan Series. While DeNA's closer Reynolds lacked stability, he showed his presence by allowing zero runs over four games. This series went into extra innings for three consecutive games starting from the first game for the first time in history. Amidst a situation where the importance of relief pitchers increased, he recorded saves in the first two games and became the winning pitcher in the third game after holding the score tied in the 10th inning. On this day as well, he took the mound in the 9th inning as the sixth pitcher. With a perfect pitch, he finally struck out Shion Matsuo swinging with a fork and celebrated with his arms wide open.

Sugiyama pitched in three consecutive games during the Climax Series (CS) final stage against Nippon-Ham. He contributed to the three-game winning streak by allowing zero runs in all of them. Throughout the post-season (PS), he showed incredible activity, pitching in seven consecutive games across all seven matches.

Kazuki Sugiyama. Born December 7, 1997, in Shizuoka Prefecture. 28 years old. After attending Suruga Sogo High School and playing for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Hiroshima, he joined the Softbank Hawks as the second-round draft pick in 2018. He boasts a high strike out ability with fastballs in the 150 km/h range and a fork. He has been the save leader for two consecutive years starting from 2025. In 208 career professional appearances, he has 11 wins, 11 losses, 67 saves, and a 3.16 ERA. 192 cm, 106 kg. Right-handed pitcher and batter.