Kurihara’s walk-off grand slam
On October 15, SoftBank defeated Hokkaido Nippon-Ham 6-2, taking a decisive step in the Climax Series. Ryoya Kurihara delivered a dramatic walk-off grand slam to seal the victory, putting SoftBank one win away from the Japan Series.
Source: スポーツナビ（Yahoo! Japan）
DeNA shuts out Hanshin 1-0
On October 15 at Koshien, DeNA recorded a 1-0 shutout of Hanshin. Shugo Maki’s solo homer produced the game’s only run, and DeNA’s bullpen preserved the lead through steady relief work. The win was credited to pitcher Baba.
Source: 日刊スポーツ
Pitching coach Asao to leave after season
On October 15, Chunichi announced that pitching coach Takuya Asao will step down at the end of this season. Asao joined the coaching staff in 2019 and had been reassigned to the club’s second team in late May; the club will adjust its staff plans going forward.
Source: 日刊スポーツ
Hiroshima to negotiate FA players’ stays by Oct. 16
On October 15, Hiroshima general manager Suzuki said the club will negotiate with the three players who obtained FA this season — Shogo Sakakura, Nobuhito Morishita, and Hiroki Tokoda — via agents, aiming to hold talks by October 16. The club has not ruled out the players staying.
Source: 日刊スポーツ
Murakami stays on roster, ready on short rest
On October 15, Hanshin confirmed that pitcher Murakami remains on the 31-player roster and was not removed. If the series extends, he could be available to start on four days’ rest; the club has kept him registered with postseason use in mind.
Source: 日刊スポーツ
Oshiro to prioritize body maintenance for next season
On October 15, Yomiuri catcher Oshiro said he plans to focus on body maintenance after a tiring season. The club emphasizes player conditioning, and Oshiro intends to combine rest and rehab to prepare for the next year.
Source: 日刊スポーツ