On October 16th at 18:00, Game 3 of the "2026 PERSOL Climax Series Pa" Final Stage between Fukuoka Softbank and Hokkaido Nippon-Ham will be held at MIZUHO PayPay Dome.

【Head-to-head Record】Fukuoka Softbank (1st) vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham (3rd) 4 wins, 0 losses (including advantage)

【Probable Starting Pitchers】
Fukuoka Softbank: Yugo Maeda 19 games, 12 wins (tied for 3rd), 1 lose, ERA 2.10
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham: Takayuki Kato 20 games, 12 wins (tied for 3rd), 3 losses, ERA 2.90

Fukuoka Softbank is just one win away from advancing to the "SMBC Japan Series 2026." They entrust the starting mound to pitcher Yugo Maeda, who achieved significant growth this season with 12 consecutive wins from the opening. This will be his first appearance in the "PERSOL CS Pa," but can he deliver a strong performance similar to the regular season?

On the other hand, Hokkaido Nippon-Ham, now with their backs against the wall, will have pitcher Takayuki Kato on the mound. In the previous matchup on September 10th, although he was the losing pitcher, he pitched well, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits and 2 Walks over 7 innings with 99 pitches. The focus of the lineup, Chusei Mannami, has a good compatibility with a .324 batting average against them this season, but yesterday he went 0-for-4 At Bat, including two double plays, failing to capitalize on opportunities to take the lead. In this game, expectations are high for a hit that decides the outcome.

Text by Aoi Nishijima