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

Softbank Hawks won their 13th Japan Series title, their second in a row, by sweeping DeNA in four straight games. This marks their second consecutive Japan Series championship, following their 4-1 victory over Hanshin Tigers last year. catcher Yudai Yamamoto, acquired from DeNA in a trade in May, was outstanding with three RBI, including a game-tying two-run triple. They showed their clutch hitting ability by coming from behind in three consecutive games, securing a decisive four-game winning streak.

Yu Maeda, who started on this day, was the first-round draft pick in 2023. In his third year out of high school, he tied for the team lead with 12 wins and has progressed to the point of starting in the Japan Series. It is said that Manager Kokubo watched with deep emotion during the game as the 21-year-old showed such rapid growth.

During the championship press conference, the manager revealed a conversation he had with Coach Kurano, saying, 'We never expected him to grow enough to pitch in the Japan Series this year.' He allowed two runs while pitching into the fifth inning. When the topic turned to the promising young southpaw, his expression softened as he said, 'He won double-digit games, and next season, opposing hitters and other teams will surely study him. I was watching him while thinking that next year will be the year his true value is tested.'