◆ "LUXAS Samurai Japan Series 2026" Japan 13-3 Softbank Hawks = Called due to rain after the top of the seventh inning = (22nd, Hinata Sun Marine Stadium Miyazaki)

Softbank Hawks infielder Hotaka Yamakawa thrilled the stands with his leadoff hit against Samurai Japan. The slugger contributed to Japan's victory as a world champion in the 2011 World Baseball Classic. "Today, there were spectators in attendance, and we were playing against Japan, so I think it was an important first game. It was good that there was a good sense of tension in that situation," he reflected.

He started as the fifth batter and first baseman, and in the first inning, with two outs and runners on first and third, he hit a timely single to center field off Samurai Japan starter Orix Buffaloes of Orix. In the third inning, with one out and a runner on first, his grounder to shortstop was blocked by Genda, resulting in a double play play, but he said, "They say that my posture, or the timing when I step up to bat, is good. Today was good too. There are more games to come, so I hope I can do well." He was pleased with his performance, including the grounder. The heel-heavy form that he used in last season's Japan Series seemed to be working well again today.