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

Softbank Hawks pitcher Kazuki Sugiyama (28), who played a leading role in the team's second consecutive Japan Series title, contributed an exclusive memoir to Sports Hochi. This season, he fractured his left hand after punching the bench in April shortly after the opening, but he aimed for a comeback and finished with 1 win, 2 losses, and 35 saves in 55 games, earning the most saves title for the second year in a row. He also appeared in all four games of the Japan Series, recording 1 win and 3 saves to win the Fighting Spirit Award. The hard-throwing closer, who also endured slander on social media, wrote about his 'year of atonement.'

I'm glad it ended on a good note. Experiencing the championship victory on the home mound was the greatest moment.

All through this year, 'that incident with the fracture' remained stuck in the back of my mind. Even after winning titles for two consecutive years and clinching the league championship, it never went away. All I felt was a need for 'atonement.' Since returning in May, I have spent every day treating it as a period of penance.

Last year, I won the title for most saves, and the team became the champions of Japan. I gave it my all without any regrets and felt completely burned out. Although I have a dream of pitching in the Major Leagues in the future, it is not something that can be easily achieved under the current system. I do not like playing baseball while looking too far ahead. Therefore, I wondered what goal I should set for this year, and from the start of the season, I could not find that inner fire.

In order to boost his motivation even slightly, he obsessed over the numbers. While repeatedly experiencing highs and lows, April 11th arrived. It was a game against Nippon-Ham at ES CON FIELD. In the 9th inning with a four-run lead, he allowed 1 runs on 2 hit and 1 Walk. This marked his third game with runs since the season opener, bringing his ERA to 9.00. Before he knew it, he was punching the bench after being removed from the mound.

Manager Kokubo is the person I feel most indebted to in my professional baseball career. In 2024, his first year as manager, I was able to establish myself in the first team for an entire season for the first time. He has entrusted me with the important ninth inning since last year. I betrayed that person, and he told me to realize the gravity of what I had done. That woke me up. With a heightened sense of urgency to return as soon as possible, I was able to make it back to the first team on May 6th.

My job is just to hold down a single inning. That is why when I fail a save opportunity, my spirits sink so low I feel like I want to die. In the game against Lotte on August 26th at ZOZO Marine Stadium, I couldn't protect a two-run lead, marking my third closer failure of the season. The next day, I was called into the manager's office. I recall saying something like, 'I think it would be better if I stepped down from the ninth inning,' but I was told, 'If you have no physical concerns, I want you to go out for the ninth again today.' Those words lifted my spirits once more. Including the postseason, I have somehow managed to make it this far without any further failures.

Although joy exploded at the moment of becoming number one in Japan, I usually try to suppress my emotions on the mound as much as possible. One reason I want to remain indifferent whether I win or lose is that I have many haters. I have received slander on social media and even death threats. When I suffered a fracture in April, that was the time I received the most. It was to the point where I had to close the comment section. There were also people criticizing me during the Japan Series.

I try to think that people who attack others online are those who are not satisfied with their own lives. It makes me angry, but the ones attacking are people who do not give their names and whose faces I do not know. Rather than reacting to such people, I want to cherish the people around me. And I must not forget my beloved dog (a Chihuahua) named Bibi. Animals do not betray you. If I am crying, she comes to my side; she is a healing presence. I truly feel that this was a year I was able to overcome thanks to Manager Kokubo and Bibi. (Softbank Hawks pitcher)

Kazuki Sugiyama. Born December 7, 1997, in Shizuoka, 28 years old. After moving from Suruga Sogo to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Hiroshima, he joined the Softbank Hawks as the second draft pick in 2018. In 2024, he established himself in the first team for the first time as a reliever, appearing in 50 games. In 2025, he was entrusted with the closer role mid-season, replacing Osuna, and won the title for most saves with 31. This season, he earned the same title for the second consecutive year with 35 saves. His professional career totals are 208 appearances, 11 wins, 11 losses, 28 holds, 67 saves, and a 3.16 ERA. 192 cm, 106 kg. Right-handed pitcher and batter.