Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks extend NPB Japan Series win-streak to 14, take 2-0 lead against Yokohama DeNA BayStars

The era of dominance continues for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks after defeating the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Game 2 of the 2024 NPB Japan Series. With the victory, the Hawks have extended their Japan Series streak to 14 games which dates back to 2018.

Just like in Game 1, Fukuoka established a big lead early before Yokohama attempted a spirited comeback. The SoftBank Hawks raced to a 2-0 lead after Hotaka Yamakawa hit a two-run home run in the first inning.

The scoring barrage continued in the top of the third inning as Taisei Makihara drove in two runs with a bases-loaded single. Takuya Kai piled on the lead as he added another run via a sac fly.

Yamakawa drove in an additional run in the top of the fourth inning to push the lead of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks to six. With the BayStars seemingly lost due to the absence Tyler Austin, Masayuki Kuwahara pulled two runs back in the bottom of the fifth inning via a double.

BayStars captain Shugo Maki tallied an RBI double in the bottom of the seventh to give his team a shot at winning. However, the Hawks did not allow any more runs as star closer Roberto Osuna slammed the door on the BayStars' hopes of a comeback. The game ended with a score of 6-3.

Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks dominate on the road

Per the NPB rulebook, the home-field advantage in the Japan Series alternates per year. This season, the team with the advantage is the Central League, and in effect, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars.

However, this advantage became null and void as the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks won the first two games of the series at Yokohama Stadium, the home of the BayStars. The Hawks have three chances to lift the Japan Series at their home stadium, the Mizuho PayPay Dome Fukuoka.

Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday at 5:30 a.m. ET.