Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Sweep Yokohama DeNA BayStars to Win 13th Japan Series Title

Hawks Sweep BayStars to Secure Thirteenth Japan Series Title

The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks secured their thirteenth Japan Series title by defeating the Yokohama DeNA BayStars 4-2 at the Mizuho PayPay Dome in Fukuoka, completing an undefeated postseason run. Fukuoka claimed its second consecutive championship in the best-of-seven series, matching the Saitama Seibu Lions with 13 titles all-time.

Clutch Hits and Relief Work Define Deciding Game

Yudai Yamamoto provided the decisive offense in the clinching game, driving in three runs for Fukuoka. Yamamoto, a catcher acquired by the Hawks from Yokohama in May, put his new club ahead with a triple before adding a safety run on a sacrifice fly. Left-handed reliever Darwinzon Hernández earned the victory after throwing a scoreless sixth inning.

Extra-Inning Battles Push Defending Champions

Yokohama presented a formidable challenge despite the eventual sweep, pushing the first three contests into extra frames. The opening games ended 3-1 in 11 innings and 4-3 in 10 innings before a 2-1, 10-inning result in Game 3. Tomoya Masaki earned Japan Series Most Valuable Player honors after collecting 7 hits in 16 at-bats, including two home runs highlighted by a walk-off blast in the 10th inning of Game 3.

Manager Hiroki Kokubo Reflects on Championship Run

Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo celebrated his club’s eighth victory in Japan Series play, a streak originating from Game 2 of the 2025 championship. Since long ago, I imagined being hoisted into the air while gazing at the ceiling of this place; in my third year, I’ve finally achieved it, Kokubo said after the title-clinching win. Now I feel motivated to set new goals and keep moving forward toward next year.

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