2026 Persol Climax Series Pacific League Final Stage Game 1: Softbank Hawks 6-4 Nippon-Ham (14th, Mizuho PayPay)

The same scene as the regular season unfolded. Shinjo's Fighters let a win slip away due to a lapse in defense. They lost the first game to the Softbank Hawks, a team they struggled against this season with a record of 5 wins, 18 losses, and 2 draws. Manager Shinjo suppressed his frustration, saying, 'We got three runs off Moinelo. I thought "Alright!", but it was only the fourth inning. They really pile it on; they are as good as expected.' Although they chased the opponent's starter Moinelo from the game by scoring three runs by the middle of the third inning, they suffered a comeback defeat due to their own self-destruction.

Issues from the regular season were brought to light. In the fourth inning with a two-run lead and one out with the bases loaded, Shibata, the first baseman, said he 'hooked' the throw to home plate on Yanagimachi's high-bouncing ball, resulting in a bad throw that took a bounce in front of the catcher and gave up one run. The following batter, Shoji, hit a timely single to right field to tie the game. Still with one out and the bases loaded, Gunji, the left fielder, unexpectedly dropped Masaki's fly ball (recorded as a sacrifice fly and an error). After allowing the winning run, two more runs were added. Gunji slumped his shoulders, saying, 'It was a technical mistake. My glove moved away from my body. I realized once again that they are a team that doesn't miss a single mistake.' This season, they had a league-worst 88 errors. Their defense issues decided the outcome in this short series.

The decision to take a risk backfired. Since taking office, the manager has not fixed positions and has flexibly formed the starting line-up to match the opposing pitcher. Gunji played third base at the start of the season, but has also appeared as a catcher and at first base. Additionally, the two-way player Shibata only began practicing first base defense before the game on September 13th. He had only appeared at first base in one game this season. The commander did not blame the error by Shibata, who recorded a hit off Moinelo, stating, 'It can't be helped. I put him in the game with expectations for his batting.'

Despite the defensive errors, they recorded a league-leading 177 Home Runs this season. It could be said that Shinjo's baseball style involves winning through hitting even while overlooking the defense. To advance to the Japan Series, five wins in six games are required. "There is no point in complaining, and we will not give up," said the manager. They can no longer afford to lose in their quest for an upset. (Haruki Kawakami)