[Softbank Hawks] Manager Hiroki Kokubo remains calm despite the team's four-game winning streak ending: "home run by the ninth hitter hurts. Some days are like that." | Pacific League

[Softbank Hawks] Manager Hiroki Kokubo remained calm despite the team's four-game winning streak ending: "home run by the ninth hitter hurts. Some days are like that."

Sports Hochi

July 21, 2026 21:16

In the fourth inning, with two outs and runners on first and Yuma Mune gave up a game-tying RBI single to right field to Naoyuki Uwasawa (Photo by Daisuke Iwata)

◆ Pacific League Orix Buffaloes 2-1 Softbank Hawks (21st, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Softbank Hawks ended their winning streak at four after a come-from-behind loss. With Uwasawa tying the game in the fifth inning with two outs, Sugisawa hit the game-winning solo homer. With no outs and a runner on second, Wakatsuki tagged out runner on a grounder to shortstop aiming for third base on double play. A pitfall awaited immediately after. Manager Kokubo said, "You get double play with a good defense, but home run at the ninth batter hitter really hurts. There are days like this. Tomorrow, tomorrow," emphasizing the transition.