◇ Fukuoka Softbank vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham "2026 Persol Climax Series Pacific League" Final Stage Game 2 (15th, MIZUHO PayPay Dome)

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Koki Kitayama pitcher combined 6.2 innings with 105 pitches, 4 hit 5 Walk 7 strike out 2 runs.

In the bottom of the first, just after receiving two runs of support, with two Walk, they faced a crisis with runners on first and second, but retired Ryoya Kurihara and Yuki Yanagita in a row struck out. However, in the bottom of the third, Yudai Shoji and Tomoya Masaki hit a series of hits, allowing a run, and with one out and a runner on third, Kensuke Kondo hit a timely hit to tie the game.

Still, the mid-inning 3-inning closer to 1st hit, and with the score tied in the bottom of the 7th, with Walk and declared intentional walk, runners on first and second out, he was taken out. The replacement Kenta Uehara pitcher gave Walk and put the bases loaded in trouble, but in a one-hit go-ahead moment, he closer Kondo to grounder to shortstop.

pitcher Kitayama won the double crown this season, recording 13 wins (3 losses) with a .813 winning percentage leading the win and the highest winning percentage. Fukuoka Softbank pitched in three games, struggling with a ERA of 6.92 but showed strong pitching at critical moments.

Text by Aoi Nishijima