On October 27, in Game 3 of the "SMBC Nippon Series 2026" between Fukuoka Softbank and Yokohama DeNA held at MIZUHO PayPay Dome, Fukuoka Softbank win 2-1. They have now moved within one win of becoming Japan Series champions for the second consecutive year.

Fukuoka Softbank starting pitcher Haru Matsumoto gave up a doble with one out in the first inning but struck out the following batters in succession. From then until the fourth inning, he delivered a pitch without allowing a runner to reach second base, but in the top of the fifth, with two outs and a runner on second following a hit and a stolen base, he allowed an RBI timely hit to Takeru Furuichi for the opening run.

Meanwhile, the lineup continued to miss opportunities despite putting runner on base in every inning against the opposing starter, Katsuki Azuma. In the bottom of the seventh, with a chance to tie the game, pinch hitter Yudai Yamamoto hit a breaking ball back, but it was catch with great reflexes, resulting in a pitcher-to-first double play.

The relief corps of Osuna, Yuki Tsumori, and Gota Suzuki followed with scoreless innings from the seventh onward. Then, in the bottom of the ninth, lead-off hitter Ryoya Kurihara hit a doble, and with two outs, Taisei Makihara 's timely hit tied the score, leading to an extra inning for the third consecutive game.

After Kazuki Sugiyama finished the top of the 10th without allowing any runs, Tomoya Masaki hit his second solo home run with one out in the bottom of the 10th, ending the game at 2-1. Starting pitcher Haru Matsumoto pitched well, throwing 101 pitches over 6 innings with 6 hit, no walks or Hit by Pitch, 5 strike out, and 1 runs, while the lineup caught up at the last minute and decided the game with a single swing.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Total
De 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
So 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 X 2

De Katsuki Azuma-Teruki Yoshino-Masaki Iwata-Reynolds-●Louise
So Haru Matsumoto-Osuna-Yuki Tsumori-Gota Suzuki-○Kazuki Sugiyama