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

In the 'SMBC Japan Series 2026,' the Softbank Hawks overwhelmed DeNA with four consecutive wins, shining as Japan Series champions for the 13th time and the second consecutive year. Trailing by two runs in the 4th inning, they caught up with a two-run triple by catcher Yuudai Yamamoto (28) and took the lead with an RBI single to center by outfielder Yuki Yanagita (38). They pulled further away in the 6th inning with a sacrifice fly by Yamamoto. While they suffered a bitter defeat in the 2024 series to DeNA, who finished 3rd in the Central League just like this year, they did not make the same mistake. They achieved a dignified victory with an unprecedented seven-game winning streak starting from the Climax Series and eight consecutive wins in the championship series since last year. Outfielder Tomoya Masaki (26) was selected as the MVP.

He was overwhelmed with emotion. Softbank Hawks manager Kokubo seemed to be holding back tears. With four consecutive wins against DeNA, they became the champions of Japan for the second year in a row. Occasionally looking upward, he walked toward the mound. 'This has always been the goal. In my third year, I have finally achieved it. I have constantly imagined being tossed in the air while looking at this ceiling.' In his third year in office, he has won three league titles and two Japan Series championships. This was the first time he was tossed in celebration at their home stadium, Mizuho PayPay Dome. Lifted nine times by his reliable players, he was immersed in a dreamlike feeling.

Three consecutive extra inning games starting from Game 1 is a first in Japan Series history. On this day, they demonstrated the difference in their true strength. In the fourth inning, trailing by two runs, Yamamoto hit a game-tying two-run triple. Just before that, the number four hitter Kurihara was given an intentional walk. The starting catcher, who joined via a trade mid-season, showed his spirit against his former team. Manager Kokubo praised his focus, saying, 'Regarding today's game, it was all about Yamamoto after the intentional walk. He did a great job.'

In 2024, during his first year in office, he participated in the Japan Series. The opponent was the same DeNA team. They won the first game at the opponent's home ground in Yokohama. Upon hearing that their winning streak in the Japan Series had extended to 13 games, he spoke with a sense of composure. 'In the Japan Series, you are allowed to lose three games,' he said. After winning two consecutive games, they faced the opponent's ace, Azuma, in the third game held at their home stadium. Although there was no ill intent, a coach made a public comment that could be interpreted as suggesting that Orix Buffaloes' Miyagi, who is also a left-hander, was superior.

He ignited his opponent's fighting spirit, and the result was four consecutive losses after two initial wins. 'I felt extremely frustrated. I remember it even if I don't want to,' he said, unable to forget. In the team meeting immediately after the season ended, he apologized sincerely. 'I am sorry I couldn't lead us to victory.' Reflecting on the weight of those words, he made a fresh start. He put even more energy into his managerial decisions. During the regular season, the team showed overwhelming strength, achieving a third consecutive league title with 42 games over .500. In the rematch against DeNA, he kept his eyes fixed forward. 'We just need to win three more.' 'We just need to win two more.' This time, they again won the first two games on the road. He repeated it like a mantra.

Starting in September, the data team was asked for materials on all teams that could potentially be faced in the post-season. It was strictly enforced among the players to 'be extremely careful with your remarks, regardless of the win-loss situation.' Manager Kokubo proposed at the 12-team managers' meeting in January to 'refrain as much as possible from conversations with players and coaches of opposing teams on the ground.' This was shared once again as a set rule. In this series, the only thing everyone was interested in was the 'number of wins.' Without forgetting the 'weight of a single loss' that they experienced painfully two years ago, they fought through to the end without showing any openings.

Otsu, who tied for the team lead with 12 wins during the season, was absent due to a poor condition in his right elbow. Knowing how hard he had worked to make a comeback, the manager met with the right-hander, whose surgery had been decided, in the manager's office before the final stage of the Climax Series. "Thank you for staying in the rotation for the whole year. We have two more mountains to climb," he promised. This meant breaking through the Climax Series and winning the Japan Series. They shook hands firmly, acknowledging the regret. It was not just the players fighting on the ground. As All The Hawks, they reached the summit.

They have won 15 consecutive games at their home stadium since the Nippon-Ham game on September 8th. 'This is all thanks to the cheers of the fans,' he added in a message of gratitude. Ending the postseason undefeated, they closed out 2026 like true champions. Next season, the goals are a fourth consecutive league title and a third consecutive championship in Japan. With everyone's strength, they will continue this golden era. (Tosei Moriguchi)