SoftBank Hawks defeat DeNA BayStars in Japan Series Game 1

The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks took a 1-0 lead in the 2026 SMBC Japan Series after defeating the Yokohama DeNA BayStars 3-1 in an 11-inning contest at Yokohama Stadium on October 24.

SoftBank's Naoyuki Uwasawa delivered a strong starting performance, pitching seven scoreless innings. Although DeNA's Shugo Maki hit a solo home run in the 8th inning to tie the game at 1-1, SoftBank secured the victory in the 11th inning through a decisive RBI double by Yudai Shoji and a sacrifice fly by Tatsu Yanagimachi.

The series features a matchup between the Pacific League champions, SoftBank, and the Central League's DeNA, who advanced to the finals after a successful Climax Series run. The remaining games are scheduled to take place at Yokohama Stadium and Mizuho PayPay Dome Fukuoka.