◆ Pacific League Softbank Hawks 7-5 Nippon-Ham (May 5th, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Softbank Hawks However, with their fifth straight win, they brought their magic number for the championship down to “37.” Nippon-Ham Despite being tied after the , Isami Nomura infielder (29)—who had gone starting line-up for the first time in six games—hit a game-winning two-run homer in the eighth inning, showcasing the champion’s true resilience.The earliest possible title is on the 29th of this month. Editorial Board Member Koichiro Shimao “observed” the team’s rock-solid form as they aim for their first three-peat since 1964–66 during their Nankai era—a 60-year gap—and their first since relocating to Fukuoka.

Softbank Hawks The foundation of batting practice is “swinging with everything you’ve got.” Led by Yanagida, who lets out a growl with every swing, the “O-ism”—the philosophy of “swing until your spine creaks”—is deeply ingrained.While daily practice is the source of their powerful hitting, their power baseball is Pacific League largely similar across the board. What’s truly noteworthy, however, is that they also possess a high level of finesse.Since taking the helm in 2024, Manager Kokubo has repeatedly emphasized the “2 strike approach.” When the team is in a tight spot, he prioritizes pitch selection and hits that advance runners. He has been focused on scoring one run baseball.

They approach base running and defense with a high level of awareness. Masaki, who contributed to win with hit, was once singled out by manager Kokubo for failing to advance from first to third base on a single to center field, which Kokubo deemed "unforgivable." It wasn't an easy safe play, and it was at a level that wouldn't be a problem for other teams. They are thoroughly trained in the basics, such as sprinting to first base at full speed. In defense, they have the fewest errors in the league with only 33. Their strength in fielding plays, as exemplified by Shuto and Makihara Dai, is remarkable.

Unlike many championship-winning teams, there's no sign of weakening due to complacency. Under the manager's policy that "maintaining the status quo is decline," the team has continuously evolved. After 2024, when Yamakawa and Kondo were the star players batting fourth and fifth, Nomura and Yanagimachi broke out in 2025. This season, "Masaki batting first" has worked well, and Kondo and Kurihara batting third and fourth are wreaking havoc. pitcher staff's starting rotation and winning patterns are also at a high level, with the lineup changing almost every year.

With Arihara, who was the league's leading pitcher with 14 wins last year, having transferred to Nippon-Ham, and ace Moinelo not having made a single appearance in the first team, they are dominating Pacific League. Their strength is such that there seems to be no way they could lose. (Koichiro Shimao)