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

Softbank Hawks won four straight games against DeNA to clinch their 13th Japan Series title, their second in a row. catcher Yuta Yamamoto, who joined the team in a trade from DeNA in May, had a stellar performance with three RBI, including a game-tying two-run triple, and the team secured the Japan Series championship with three consecutive come-from-behind win.

This marks the first time in history that a team has won the Japan Series with a perfect 7-0 record throughout the postseason (PS), including the Climax Series (CS). While the Softbank Hawks previously achieved a championship with six consecutive wins in 2020 (2 wins and 0 losses in the CS, 4 wins and 0 losses in the Japan Series) when the CS was shortened due to the impact of COVID-19, this is the first time a team has become the best in Japan with an undefeated streak of seven or more games.

Against DeNA, who were missing their foreign slugger Encarnacion due to injury and whose key player Miyazaki was not at full strength, the Softbank Hawks demonstrated the depth of their roster throughout the series. In Game 1, Shoji, a second-year pro who also shone as the MVP in the CS Final Stage, hit a game-winning doble in the 11th extra inning. The 'Cinderella Boy,' who emerged this season by appearing in 108 games, showcased the momentum he had built up from the regular season and the CS.

In the second game, pinch-hitter Yamakawa hit a dramatic game-tying solo shot in the top of the ninth inning while trailing by one run. The main slugger, who had struggled this season with a .178 batting average and a career-low 11 Home Runs since his transfer, delivered a priceless arc when it mattered most. In the 10th extra inning, Kawamura, who had a .095 batting average this season and only one career Home Run, hit a game-winning home run to the center field screen. With a lucky boy emerging, they secured consecutive victories at the opponent's home stadium.

In the third game, which became the first in history to go into extra innings for three consecutive games starting from the opener, they displayed phenomenal persistence. In the bottom of the ninth with two outs and a runner on second, trailing 0-1, Makihara, who rose from a developmental draft pick to become a leading hitter, hit a game-tying RBI. The pinch runner who returned home from second base with excellent base running was Ihine, the 2022 first-round draft pick. The game was decided in the 10th inning by Masaki, who made a leap forward this season with 28 Home Runs. The man who secured a regular spot in the massive roster and was also selected for Samurai Japan showcased his ability with a walk-off arch.

The difference in season wins above .500 compared to the Central League's third-place DeNA was a substantial 40. This resulted in consecutive Japan Series titles, demonstrating a level of player development and roster depth that cannot be overcome by momentum alone.