Softbank advances to Japan Series MVP Shoko, overwhelming victory reminiscent of the "golden era"

Game 3 of the final stage (S) of the Climax Series (CS) of the Professional Baseball Pacific League was held at the Mizuho PayPay Dome on the 16th, and SoftBank, who had won their third straight regular season (RS), defeated the third-place Nippon-Ham 6-2, advancing to the Japan Series for the third consecutive year with their third straight win.

Young players are dynamic, and the coach is in charge

Second-year player Yudai Shoko was chosen as MVP for his timely hitting in two games.

After the game, coach Yuki Kokubo spoke in an on-field interview.

“I will head to the Japan Series with the thoughts of the Fighters on my shoulders.”

Three consecutive come-from-behind wins. On this day, all the young players who have made great strides this season produced results.

Starting left-hander Yugo Maeda allowed 2 runs (1 earned run) in 5 innings. In his third year out of high school, he grew rapidly and won 12 games (1 loss) in the RS, and was stable even in his first CS appearance.

In addition to Shoko, fifth-year hitter Tomoya Masaki showed off his ability as he hit a come-from-behind two-run hit in the fifth inning.

Starting this year, the CS format has changed, and since PA now has a 10-game lead over Softbank and Nippon-Ham in the RS, Softbank is given a two-win advantage in a seven-game format (first to win five).

Before the start of the final S, coach Kokubo was asked how he would play in the short-term decisive battle, and said, ``I think there is more regret in not making a move than in making a move.I want to make a sound decision.''

In the first game on the 14th, starting pitcher ace left-hander Moinero appeared unstable and was suddenly replaced in the middle of the third inning. He was in charge of leading the team to a come-from-behind victory and setting the stage for a breakthrough in the final S.

A year in which we overwhelmed our biggest rivals

Against Nippon-Ham, which was seen as this year's biggest rival, they dominated in the RS with 18 wins, 5 losses, and 2 draws, and won 3 consecutive games in the CS. It's a win that makes you think of the arrival of a golden age.

The Japan Series will begin on the 24th at the home of the Central League, with Softbank facing either Hanshin or DeNA.