The Nippon-Ham Fighters defeated the Seibu Lions 4-1 in the first stage of the Climax Series to advance to the final stage for the third consecutive year with a 2-1 series record. They will now face SoftBank in a formidable matchup.
In the first stage of the professional baseball Climax Series, the Nippon-Ham Fighters defeated the Seibu Lions 4-1. They took the lead on Nomura Yuki's (野村佑希) RBI hit in the second inning, added a solo home run by Manba Chusei (万波中正) in the fourth and scored again on Narama Daiki's (奈良間大己) sacrifice fly in the fifth.
Starting pitcher Ito Hiromi (伊藤大海) pitched well, allowing 3 hits and 1 run over 5 innings, with 5 strikeouts. From the sixth inning onward, the bullpen preserved the lead. After the game, Nippon-Ham secured the series win and advanced to the final stage.
The final stage will be against SoftBank. Starting this season, the format gives the three-time defending league champions a 2-win advantage and is a best-of-7 series. Nippon-Ham's record against SoftBank this season is 5 wins, 18 losses and 2 ties, leaving the team in a difficult position.
After the game, manager Shinjo Tsuyoshi (新庄剛志) made remarks reversing the view that they had been patsies during the season, signaling the challenge that lies ahead.