Yokohama DeNA BayStars snap Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks’ win streak, take Game 3 of NPB Japan Series on the road

The Cinderella run continues for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in the NPB Japan Series after defeating the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in Game 3. Down 0-2 on the road after squandering their chances at home, NPB's biggest underdogs overwhelmed the Hawks, thanks in large part to the return of ace Katsuki Azuma.

A three-time NPB All-Star, Azuma has been absent since October 12 after straining his hamstring in Game 1 of the Central League Climax Series' first stage against the Hanshin Tigers. The ace's dominance was on full display as the SoftBank Hawks finished the game having scored a solitary run.

The last time Fukuoka scored a single run was back on October 4, 2024, in a 1-0 win against the Chiba Lotte Marines. Azuma became just the third pitcher in NPB history and the first since 1994 to give up double-digit hits while being awarded the victory. In his seven-inning outing, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars ace gave up one run on 10 base hits.

Leadoff man Masayuki Kuwahara opened the game with a double and would later be driven home to put the BayStars up by a run in the very first inning. However, the firepower of the Hawks flexed its muscle as Kensuke Kondoh tied the game in the next half inning with an RBI single.

Kuwahara went to work once again as he gave the BayStars the lead with a solo shot in the fifth inning.

Former Pittsburgh Pirates star Yoshi Tsutsugo added another run as he hit a towering shot that almost materialized into a grand slam. Luckily for the SoftBank Hawks, it was a few feet short, resulting in a sac fly.

Finally, Yasutaka Tobashira pushed the away team's lead to three with an RBI double in the eighth inning. This sealed the fate of the Hawks as the Yokohama DeNA Baystars took Game 3 4-1.

Yokohama DeNA BayStars puts historic win-streak to rest

The underdog Yokohama DeNA BayStars can claim that they ended the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks' 14-game NPB Japan Series win streak to an end. Not a single team since Seiya Suzuki's Hiroshima Toyota Carp in Game 2 of the 2018 Japan Series has beaten Japan's modern-day dynasty.

The BayStars handed the Hawks just its sixth loss in 33 Japan Series games since 2014. Yokohama already gained massive acclaim this year after upsetting the Yomiuri Giants in the Central League final stage. If they can work their magic once more and stun the Hawks in the Japan Series, the team will be propelled to heights never seen before.