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

The Softbank Hawks showed no openings. Even after giving up two runs in the first inning, the team remained calm, and their attack in the fourth inning after the hitters had gone through the order once symbolized their strength. With a runner on first and no outs, Shuto failed a bunt but made up for it by stealing second base himself. Even when Kurihara was given an intentional walk, Yamamoto Yu, who was used as the fifth hitter, met the bench's expectations. Immediately after, Yanagita hit the go-ahead run. This ability to finish plays and not just end with a tie is the reason they can win.

Every player from the first to the ninth batter is capable of changing the situation on their own. In the sixth inning, a long hit by Shuto led to an additional run through self-sacrifice. The fourth batter chose a Walk without getting greedy, and Yamamoto also focused on and executed a sacrifice fly. In this series, Kondo and Kurihara have not stood out. However, because there are so many scoring patterns, there is no sign of panic at all. From DeNA's perspective, having been overtaken in all three previous games, they seemed to be constantly feeling the pressure.

Their player development is also solid. During the season, Masaki emerged, and in the post-season, Shoji shone. I was surprised by Kawamura's game-winning home run in the second game, and the third game was won by Ihine's base running. The continuous emergence of new talent is essential for building a perennial winning team. Even when the starter leaves in the middle of the fifth inning, they have enough relievers to last until the ninth, so the depth of their roster is also astonishing. For The Giants to reclaim the championship next season, they cannot achieve it without defeating this Softbank Hawks team. I felt the individual strength and high level of play firsthand. (Sports Hochi Critic, Yoshinobu Takahashi)