SoftBank Hawks Lead DeNA BayStars in 2026 Nippon Series

The 2026 Nippon Series kicked off at Yokohama Stadium, featuring a rematch between the Yokohama DeNA BayStars and the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. In a tightly contested opening game on October 24, the SoftBank Hawks emerged victorious with a 3-1 win in an 11-inning battle. SoftBank broke a scoreless tie in the seventh inning before DeNA's牧秀悟 hit a tying solo home run in the eighth. The game was ultimately decided in the eleventh inning when SoftBank's庄子雄大 delivered a clutch, two-run double to secure the victory for the visiting team.

The momentum continued for the Hawks in the second game on October 25, where they captured a 4-3 victory in another extra-inning thriller, extending their series lead to two games to none. SoftBank initially built a lead behind solid pitching fromリバン・モイネロ and early run support, including a solo home run by正木智也. However, DeNA fought back in the eighth inning when筒香嘉智 launched a three-run home run to temporarily put the BayStars ahead.

Resilience defined the late innings as SoftBank answered immediately. In the top of the ninth, pinch-hitter山川穂高 hit a solo home run off relieverショーン・レイノルズ to tie the game at 3-3. The deadlock broke in the tenth inning when川村友斗 hit a solo home run, his first career postseason hit, providing the decisive run. Relief pitcher杉山一樹 closed out the game to preserve the 4-3 win and hand DeNA their second consecutive extra-inning loss at home.

With the conclusion of the games in Yokohama, the series shifts to Mizuho PayPay Dome Fukuoka for the upcoming matchups. The SoftBank Hawks now stand just two wins away from claiming consecutive championships. Meanwhile, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars face an uphill battle as they look to reverse their fortunes on the road.

Historical context lingers over the matchup, as the two teams faced each other in the 2024 championship as well. In that series, SoftBank also won the first two games on the road before DeNA mounted a dramatic four-game winning streak to capture the title. BayStars supporters and team leadership are hoping for a similar historical repeat as the teams prepare for Game 3.

Broadcasting and streaming arrangements for the 2026 series offer multiple viewing options for fans across Japan. While terrestrial networks like TBS, Nippon TV, and TV Asahi are carrying games on television, digital platforms including TVer, U-NEXT, Hulu, and ABEMA are providing live streaming services depending on the specific game schedule. With high stakes and intense competition, the remaining games promise heightened drama as the battle for the Nippon Series title continues.