Hiromi Katayama’s strong outing; DeNA’s third straight shutout in CS
At Koshien on October 16, Yokohama DeNA beat Hanshin 4-0 in the Climax Series final-stage Game 3. Rookie Hiromi Katayama threw 109 pitches and delivered seven scoreless innings, allowing two hits. DeNA recorded their third consecutive shutout in the final stage and extended a postseason scoreless streak to 32 innings, a new postseason record.
Source: 日刊スポーツ
Hawks win in three straight to reach the Japan Series
On October 16 at the Mizuho PayPay Dome, Fukuoka SoftBank defeated Hokkaido Nippon-Ham 6-2 in the Pacific League final-stage Game 3 and clinched the series with a three-game sweep. A go-ahead two-run homer in the fifth by Tomoya Masaki helped flip the game, and the bullpen preserved the lead. Yudai Shoji was named series MVP after going 5-for-11 (.455) across the three games.
Source: スポーツナビ
Hanshin forced into emergency call-ups after injuries to key players
Ahead of the October 16 Climax Series game at Koshien, Hanshin faced setbacks as key players dealt with injury and condition issues. Triple-crown winner Teruaki Sato missed games due to a condition problem, and Shota Morishita left Game 2 with an injury. The club summoned Taiki Hamada and Kaisei Okajo from the Phoenix League as emergency call-ups and said they may register them depending on medical checks.
Source: 日刊スポーツ
Katoh exits in the fifth as Nippon-Ham fall to SoftBank
On October 16 at the Mizuho PayPay Dome, Hokkaido Nippon-Ham lost 2-6 to Fukuoka SoftBank in Game 3 of the Pacific League final stage. Starter Takayuki Katoh was pulled in the fifth inning; with one out in the fifth he yielded a go-ahead two-run homer to Tomoya Masaki and finished charged with six hits and three runs in his outing. Nippon-Ham scored early but could not recover after the lead change.
Source: 日刊スポーツ
Japan Series scheduled to open on October 24
According to the NPB official schedule, the SMBC Japan Series 2026 is scheduled to open on Saturday, October 24, at the Central League champion’s home ballpark. The calendar lists games through October 29 and indicates that remaining games, if required, will be played at Pacific League venues or on reserve dates as specified by the league. Fans planning to attend should confirm dates and venues on the official schedule.
Source: NPB.jp 日本野球機構