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.

Yamamoto Yu, who reached third base, roared twice with a fierce expression and clenched his fists repeatedly. In the fourth inning with two outs and runners on first and second, after Kurihara was given an intentional walk right before him, he smashed a game-tying two-run triple down the right-field line. He crushed the decision of his former team, who chose to face him even at the cost of putting the tying runner on base, saying, 'It made my heart burn with emotion.' He also hit a left sacrifice fly in the sixth inning, totaling 3 RBI. The cornerstone of the defense, who also shined with the bat recording 4 hits in 11 At Bats over four games, was selected as an Outstanding Player.

During the 2024 Japan Series as a member of DeNA, he was on the bench but did not play due to a right ulna fracture. This effectively first championship battle was a clash with his former team. He fulfilled his vow, saying, 'I'm really looking forward to it. I will fight through to the end this year.' In the first game, where he had 2 hits, he was substituted mid-game due to the impact of a Hit by Pitch to his left arm. Nevertheless, he returned to the ground starting from the second game.

He says, "Since I'm a catcher, I try to act as a closer for my feelings," but he is naturally the type to show his emotions. "I want to be bold when I can. I really like players who show their emotions; they boost the morale of those around them," he said, influenced by his former teammate Kuwahara (Seibu Lions). With the intensity of a player who was the Series MVP two years ago, he delivered a meritorious hit. Since the shocking trade in May, he has become the undisputed regular catcher for the perennial championship team. (Osamu Ando)