In the second year, Softbank's Shoko competes in a fierce battle at Yokohama Stadium - Professional Baseball Japan Series

It was in his second year, making his first start in the Japan Series, that the fierce battle came to an end. Softbank's Shoko hit a timely double in the 11th inning, tied at 1-1. ``The next thing I knew, I was hitting, and the next thing I knew, I was on second base.'' On the base, he shouted to the bench.

With one out and a man on second base, Tasuku Yamamoto, who was batting in front, was hit by a pitch, causing an uproar in the stadium. Still, he remained unmoved. He caught DeNA's Baba's second fastball. The sharp ball sailed easily over the head of Watarai, a classmate of Yokohama High School, who was guarding the left field. He was active at Yokohama Stadium, where he played many times during his high school days.

This season, he showed growth in both offense and defense, overcoming competition within the team and settling at shortstop. In the CS final stage, where he started all games, he achieved a batting average of .455 in three games and was named the Most Valuable Player. "I also think it's too much." Continuing with his momentum, he achieved results even on the big stage.

They won the important first game in a decisive battle aiming to avenge DeNA, which they lost in the Japan Series two years ago. Manager Kokubo praised him, saying, ``I was hoping that he would play well from the CS and go with the flow, and it was a good hit.''