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

Softbank Hawks won four straight games against DeNA to clinch their 13th Japan Series title, their second in a row. outfielder Tomoya Masaki was selected as the Most Valuable Player (MVP). In the third game on the 27th, he hit his first-ever walk-off home run in the 10th inning of baseball extra inning, and he also contributed with multiple hit in this game. He had a great performance in the four games, batting .438 with 2 Home Run and 2 RBI. After the game, he also attended a joint press conference with manager Kokubo and Yu Yamamoto.

The following is a summary of the main questions and answers from Masaki's joint press conference.

—Current feelings

That's right. I didn't think I would be able to win the MVP, so I'm really happy that I was able to perform well like this.

—A walk-off home run in Game 3. What was the view like as you rounded the bases?

I really didn't think the ball would go out for a home run, so I was running with all my might. It wasn't until I was between second and third base that I truly realized it was a walk-off home run, so the time I had to celebrate was short. However, seeing all my teammates waiting for me at home plate was truly a wonderful feeling.

—Do you remember the expression on Manager Kokubo's face?

Yes. At the end, we did a high-five with both hands, and I was very happy.

—This season, he is in a rivalry with Taisei Makihara.

I was really able to work hard because Maki-san told me we were rivals. He said, 'I won the regular season,' and I replied, 'Since I won the Climax Series, let's both do our best to see who wins the Japan Series.' In the end, I believe I was the one who won.

—What kind of year has it been?

I suffered a major injury last year, and over this past year, I have been able to see sights that I could never have imagined back then, which has made me truly happy. Throughout this year, there were many matches where I felt anxiety and nervousness, but looking back on it now, my honest impression is that it was simply fun.

— A message to the fans

It was a year filled with nothing but difficult games, but I believe there were many matches we won thanks to the support of all the fans. It gave me a lot of strength personally as well. Although this season is over, I want to do my best so that we can win the championship again next year. Thank you very much.