Kurihara's Walk-Off Grand Slam Puts SoftBank Close to Japan Series

SoftBank Hawks infielder Ryoya Kurihara hit a walk-off grand slam against the Nippon Ham Fighters on Oct.

15.

The home run ended Game 2 of the Pacific League Climax Series final stage, a playoff round that decides who advances to the Japan Series.

The dramatic win put SoftBank close to reaching the Japan Series, according to a local broadcaster who watched the game in person.

The victory prompted an excited reaction from KBC announcer Chihiro Kondo, who said the moment gave her chills.

SoftBank and Nippon Ham played again on Oct.

16 at Mizuho PayPay Dome in Fukuoka.

Photos from that game showed Nippon Ham taking an early lead before SoftBank scored to tie it and later hit a two-run homer.

The Oct.

16 game will determine whether SoftBank moves closer to a third straight Japan Series appearance or Nippon Ham keeps its hopes alive.