2026 Persol Climax Series Pacific League Final Stage Game 1: Softbank Hawks vs. Nippon-Ham (14th, Mizuho PayPay)

Softbank Hawks is aiming for a third consecutive Japan Series appearance and will face Nippon-Ham in Game 1. Yuki Yanagita outfielder, who had been adjusting to other routines due to neck pain, played the full game during pre-game practice. During batting practice, he repeatedly hit sacks and was on the bench, but starting line-up was left out. In the first team fielder, Hotaka Yamakawa, who had been training in the Miyazaki Phoenix League, started as the 7th batter and DH. The slugger who won MVP in the CS in 2024 and the Japan Series in 2025 will show his clutch performance in the postseason.

starting line-up is as follows:

1 (1) Masaki

2 (Central) Shuto

3 (left) Kondo

4 (3) Kurihara

5 (2) Makihara Dai

6 (Catcher) Yu Yamamoto

7 (Finger) Yamakawa

8 (Right) Yanagimachi

9 (play) Shoko

Starting Pitcher = Moinelo