The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks aim to bring the momentum from their blowout victory in Japan Series Game 2 to the Hanshin Tigers' home, Koshien Stadium. Infielder Ukyo Shuto urged fans to bottle up that energy and carry it there. Hanshin supporters made a strong presence in Fukuoka during the first two games.
The Japan Series saw the Hanshin Tigers win Game 1 by 2-1 at Fukuoka's Mizuho PayPay Dome, followed by a 10-1 rout by the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in Game 2. The series now shifts to the Tigers' home park, Koshien Stadium, starting with Game 3.
Infielder Ukyo Shuto had a simple message for SoftBank Hawks fans basking in the glow of the team's blowout victory over the Hanshin Tigers in the Japan Series on Sunday night. "Bottle up that energy and carry it to Koshien Stadium—because it will be needed."
Hanshin's famously fervent supporters invaded Mizuho PayPay Dome Fukuoka in large numbers during the first two games, occupying virtually all of the left field stands. They were nearly as loud as the home fans at some points. At Koshien, these fans are expected to ramp up their support even further.
Keywords such as Kyuji Fujikawa, Hiroki Kokubo, and Ukyo Shuto highlight key figures in this matchup. The Hawks aim to harness this momentum to gain the upper hand in the series.