Hanshin Tigers Sweep DeNA BayStars to Clinch Japan Series Berth

• by Shimanta Das
• August 5, 2026

The Hanshin Tigers have emphatically punched their ticket to the Japan Series, sweeping the defending champion Yokohama DeNA BayStars in the Central League Climax Series Final Stage. The decisive 4-0 victory at Koshien Stadium, witnessed by 42,649 fans, capped a dominant performance that saw the Tigers outscore their rivals 11-1 across the series. This marks Hanshin’s first Japan Series appearance since 2023, and they will now await the winner of the Pacific League Climax Series.

The final game was a pitcher’s duel until the Tigers broke through in the fourth inning. Starting pitcher Murakami delivered a stellar outing, allowing just one run on four hits over seven innings while striking out six. However, it was the bullpen that sealed the deal, with Reynolds earning the save after a perfect ninth inning. Offensively, the Tigers manufactured runs when it mattered most, with key hits from Chikamoto, Nakano, and Morishita, who combined for three of the team’s eight hits. The BayStars’ lone run came in the fourth, but it was not enough to overcome Hanshin’s pitching and timely hitting.

For DeNA, the series was a bitter end to a season that saw them capture the 2025 Japan Series title. Despite a valiant effort in Game 3, they were unable to generate consistent offense against Hanshin’s pitching staff. The BayStars’ lineup, which included standout performers like Ebina and Tsutsugoh, struggled to string together hits, managing just four in the finale. Their pitching, led by starter Kay, kept them in the game early, but the bullpen faltered in the decisive moments.

With this victory, the Tigers have reasserted themselves as a powerhouse in the Central League. Their balanced attack, solid starting pitching, and lockdown bullpen make them a formidable opponent in the Japan Series. As they prepare for the next challenge, Hanshin fans are dreaming of a championship that has eluded them since 1985. The stage is set for an epic showdown, and the Tigers are ready to roar.