On October 27th at 18:00, Game 3 of the "SMBC Japan Series 2026" between Fukuoka Softbank and Yokohama DeNA will be held at MIZUHO PayPay Dome.

【Match Record】Fukuoka Softbank vs Yokohama DeNA 2 wins, 0 losses

【Announced Starters】
Fukuoka Softbank: pitcher Haru Matsumoto 22 games, 12 wins, 3 losses, ERA 2.66
Yokohama DeNA: pitcher Katsuki Azuma 25 games, 12 wins, 6 losses, ERA 2.40

Fukuoka Softbank finished their away games with two consecutive wins. If they win Game 3 at their home stadium, they will be one step away from becoming the champions of Japan.

Pitcher Haru Matsumoto will start this important game. Pitcher Haru Matsumoto, who achieved a career-high 12 wins, has maintained a monthly ERA in the 1.00s since August. At the end of the season, he continued to pitch well with four consecutive wins. Although he had no appearances in the PERSOL CS Pa and this will be his first appearance since October 3rd, can he lead the team to a win with his late-season momentum?

On the other hand, among the fielders, 6 out of the 8 players who started in two consecutive games recorded a hit in both games. In particular, Kensuke Kondo has been in good form with a 5-game hitting streak since the PERSOL CS Pa. Furthermore, at his home stadium, he has left impressive results with a .345 batting average, a .431 batting average with runners in scoring position, 23 Home Runs, and 69 RBI. He hopes to turn the fans' cheers into strength and bring the team significantly closer to consecutive Japan Series titles.