Yokohama Stadium Hosts Full Practice Ahead of Japan Series Opening
The Yokohama DeNA BayStars conducted a full team practice at Yokohama Stadium on October 20, preparing to open the 2026 SMBC Japan Series at their home ground on October 24. The team enters the championship round following a six-game winning streak in the Climax Series, where they swept the Yomiuri Giants in two games before defeating the Hanshin Tigers in four straight games.
Takuto Ogami Prepares for Face-Off Against Former Teammates
For pitcher Takuto Ogami, who joined the BayStars in a trade from the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks this past May, the matchup brings a fateful encounter with his former club. Ogami pitched four scoreless innings in the second game of the Climax Series final stage to aid the BayStars’ advancement. Reflecting on facing the team he spent eight and a half years with, Ogami noted that while he knows the batters’ traits, his opponents also know his pitching and possess advanced training machines to prepare for him, driving him to elevate his physical and mental preparation.
Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Reach Third Japan Series
The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks advanced to the championship by winning the Pacific League by a wide margin and sweeping the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in three games during their Climax Series final stage. Manager Hiroki Kokubo leads the squad as they pursue their second and 13th overall Japan title. The 2026 series marks the third time the BayStars and Hawks have met in the championship, following previous encounters in 2017 and 2024.
TBS Broadcasts Series Games as Teams Recall Past Matchups
TBS television networks will broadcast games one, two, three, six, and seven of the series. Games one and two take place at Yokohama Stadium on October 24 and 25, while game three moves to Mizuho PayPay Dome Fukuoka on October 27. The teams split their prior Japan Series meetings, with the Hawks winning four games to two in 2017 and the BayStars claiming the title four games to two in 2024.
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