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

The Softbank Hawks defeated DeNA with four consecutive wins to secure their 13th Japan Series title and their second in a row. This marks back-to-back Japan Series championships following last year's victory over the Hanshin Tigers with a record of 4 wins and 1 loss.

Continuing with his breakout momentum, Softbank Hawks Tomoya Masaki outfielder (26) snatched the final spotlight. "It was a series of truly difficult games, but I am happy to think I was able to contribute even a little." He contributed with multi hit again today, finishing the four games with a .438 batting average, 2 Home Run, and 2 RBI. In the third game, he also recorded his "first in his baseball life" walk-off home run in the 10th extra inning. The "new image of a leadoff hitter" he had mentioned many times took tangible form as the Japan Series MVP.

Last season, he was entrusted with the number five spot in the lineup for the season opener, but a subluxation of his left shoulder in April led to a long-term absence. Although he made it back in time for the Japan Series, he finished with zero hits in two At Bats. This season, he was delayed due to cellulitis in his right foot, but on May 16th, the day after his first promotion, he appeared as the number one hitter for the first time in his professional career in a game against the Rakuten Eagles (Rakuten Mobile). While he had 0 stolen bases, his powerful hitting with 28 Home Runs and his excellent eye at the plate with a .372 on-base percentage shone brightly. He established himself as the leadoff man by hitting 7 leadoff home runs, breaking the club record. In the Climax Series Final Stage, he also won the 'Persol Award' with a .333 batting average, 1 Home Run, and 4 RBI.

The 26-year-old from Tokyo is a fan of The Giants, saying he has been "watching nothing but The Giants games" since childhood. Sakamoto was his particular favorite. "I imitated the way he raised and lowered his legs a lot," he said, and even bought Sakamoto-model batting gloves when he was in elementary school. Even during his college years, when he hit a total of 10 Home Runs, he looked to Sakamoto as a reference for things like how to handle inside pitches.

Even his idol, who has recorded 2,474 hits over a 20-year professional career, has never experienced being the Japan Series MVP. Along with this major honor, he has certainly taken a step forward as a great hitter. (Toi Moriguchi)