Mr. Takagi: "So the Softbank Hawks play games like this too." Mr. Ikeda: "There are many points to reflect on."

Softbank Hawks faced Lotte on the 26th and suffered a 5-6x walk-off loss in the 10th extra inning. Although they took a five-run lead in the first inning, they were unable to score additional runs and allowed a comeback.

Especially in the 8th inning, they created a scoring opportunity with one out and the bases loaded, but Ryuta Hirose struck out looking and Akira Kawase flew out to left, resulting in no runs. Regarding this scene, Yutaka Takagi, the MC of Fuji TV ONE's 'Professional baseball News 2026' broadcast on the 26th, expressed his view, saying, 'I think if they could have scored there, the game wouldn't have turned out like this.' However, commentator Chiko Ikeda defended them, saying, 'They are attacking well, but they just need one more hit. But that's how it is when you lose; you can't win everything, and things don't always go your way. I think the fact that they were able to press the attack is also a sign of the Softbank Hawks' strength.' When Mr. Takagi remarked, 'You're taking it quite positively,' Mr. Ikeda replied, 'Well... you know, they are in first place.' When Mr. Takagi said, 'But they scored five runs in the first inning, so if they could have gotten an insurance run here...', Mr. Ikeda speculated, 'Regarding the fact that they scored five runs in the first inning and then didn't move after that, I think there are certainly many points to reflect on, and they are likely considering those things.'

Furthermore, when Mr. Takagi remarked, 'So even the Softbank Hawks play games like this,' the other commentator, Takahiro Saeki, gave a wry smile and said, 'That comment makes me feel the sense of composure in this situation that Mr. Ikeda mentioned... but I was watching thinking they are still strong, after all.' Mr. Ikeda concluded, 'However, it is important not to let everything slide, so I think they will reflect on those points again.'

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"