Yokohama DeNA BayStars pull off biggest upset in Japan Series history, defeat Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks to claim first NPB title since 1998
The Yokohama DeNA BayStars have won what was an unthinkable NPB title after overwhelming the powerhouse Fukuoka SoftBanks Hawks 11-2 in Game 6 of the Japan Series. The BayStars claimed their third-ever championship title in history after dominating the SoftBank Hawks at home Sunday night in Yokohama.
After starting the Japan Series at a 0-2 deficit, the pesky underdogs won four straight games, including three on the road, to topple the modern-day dynasty of Fukuoka.
"For the first time in 26 years, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars are Japan Series Champions!" - @ Yakyu Cosmopolitan
Hawks starter and former Texas Ranger Kohei Arihara didn't even have a chance to get going after surrendering four early runs after the third inning.
Powered by the home fans, the BayStars tore the game open after former Tampa Bay Ray Yoshi Tsutsugo smacked a solo shot in the bottom of the second. Masayuki Kuwahara continued his Japan Series hot streak with a two-run single to cap off the inning.
"Masayuki Kuwahara keeps building on his Japan Series MVP case with a 2-run single!"
The Hawks ended their 29-inning scoreless drought after Yuki Yanagita smashed a two-run shot and pulled back the game to within two. In a bold move by Fukuoka manager Hiroki Kokubo, he inserted starter Carter Sterwart Jr. in relief. He would then have a nightmare outing after issuing five earned runs on three base hits while walking two, including a walk to score a baserunner home.
The Yokohama DeNA BayStars left the Hawks dizzied after scoring seven runs in the fifth inning. Kokubo tried to throw everything and the kitchen sink in hopes of scoring. However, the BayStars remained resolute and completed their Cinderella run after the shellacking they gave to the SoftBank Hawks, ending the game with a score of 11-2.
After tallying a record-breaking five-straight Japan Series games with an RBI, Masayuki Kuwahara was named the 2024 Japan Series MVP.
Special Yokohama DeNA BayStars' win goes into the history books
Heading into the new season, nobody expected the Yokohama DeNA BayStars to lift the Japan Series trophy at the end of the season. As experts sounded in on the matchup, there was no way that a third-seed from the Central League could even sniff the crown against a 91-win squad in the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks.
For context, the BayStars had a 71-69-3 record compared to the Hawks's 91-49-3. The latter also had a 24.2 WAR advantage over the former. This made the 2024 SoftBank Hawks team lose the biggest WAR advantage to a much inferior team in the history of the Japan Series.
In addition to the unflattering feat, the Hawks surpassed the 1958 Yomiuri Giants for having the longest scoreless streak in Japan Series history lasting 29 innings.
The victory gave the BayStars their third title in franchise history, following their victories in 1960 as the Taiyo Whales and 1998 as the Yokohama BayStars.