◇Fukuoka Softbank vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham "2026 PERSOL Climax Series Pa" Final Stage Game 3 (16th, MIZUHO PayPay Dome)

Fukuoka Softbank has won the "2026 PERSOL Climax Series Pa" championship.

After winning the first and second games consecutively, the Softbank Hawks were one win away from advancing to the "SMBC Japan Series 2026." In the third game, pitcher Yugo Maeda, who recorded 12 consecutive wins from the start of this season, started the game. In the top of the 5th inning with the score tied, they allowed the opponent to take the lead due to a teammate's error, but in the bottom of the 5th, Tomoya Masaki hit a two-run home run to turn the game around. They continued to score from the 6th inning onwards, securing a three-game winning streak with a score of 6-2.

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award was won by Yudai Shoji, who recorded a series batting average of .455. The PERSOL Award, given to the player who performed the most "Pa-nai" (extraordinary) work during the series according to fan voting, was awarded to Tomoya Masaki.

Advancing to the Japan Series for the third consecutive year, they aim to become the champions of Japan for the second year in a row. The "SMBC Japan Series 2026" will open on Saturday, October 24th, at the home stadium of the Central League team.

Text by Minagi Niwa