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

The Softbank Hawks have secured their 13th Japan Series title, winning for the second consecutive year. They achieved revenge with four straight victories against DeNA, the team they lost to in the Japan Series two years ago. After the game, Club Chairman Sadaharu Oh (86), who had personally coached Yamakawa and others during the practice session the day before the opening and said, "We have to pay them back double," shared his comments of joy.

After being crowned the best in Japan, he responded to an interview, saying, 'We were able to play our style of game, especially from the sixth inning onwards. Even when we gave up runs, we kept them to a minimum. Although the cleanup hitters didn't hit any home runs, Masaki came through with a hit at a crucial moment. In terms of performance, the players haven't shown everything they are capable of yet. We can become an even stronger team.' Both the number three hitter, Kondo, and the number four hitter, Kurihara, finished the series with zero Home Runs and zero RBI. Even though the main duo, who accounted for 226 out of 707 RBI during the regular season, failed to produce, the team became the best in Japan through a battle that symbolized the depth of their roster.

Chairman Oh commented on the team led by Manager Kokubo, who achieved three consecutive league titles since taking office, saying, 'Over these three years, Kokubo's style of baseball has permeated the team year by year, and everyone has become able to play strong baseball in critical moments. Even if there isn't much difference in strength compared to the opponent, a flow has been established that ultimately leads to victories.' He added, 'The players have also approached their work with self-awareness, and I believe the team has become capable of fighting powerfully over these three years. The young players have all grown as well. Manager Kokubo is leading with composure and a steady presence. The players place full trust in the manager, focusing on the games and playing their brand of baseball thoroughly. I believe this third consecutive league title is the result of the accumulation of efforts over these past three years,' as he offered his congratulations.