The Yakult Swallows had to wait at least another day to enjoy the pennant-clinching champagne shower as they lost to the Hanshin Tigers 2-1 on Tuesday at Koshien Stadium.
Central League WonLostTiedPct.GB Yakult 74 54 5 .578 - Yomiuri 75 63 2 .543 4.0 Hiroshima 63 62 7 .504 9.5 Yokohama 64 64 4 .500 10.0 Chunichi 60 72 4 .455 16.0 Hanshin 56 77 2 .421 20.5 Pacific League WonLostTiedPct.GB *Kintetsu 78 59 2 .569 - Daiei 75 63 1 .543 3.5 Seibu 73 67 0 .521 6.5 Orix 69 65 4 .515 7.5 Lotte 64 74 2 .464 14.5 Nippon Ham 53 84 3 .387 25.0 (*clinched pennant)
The Swallows, who need one more win to capture the Central League championship, return to Tokyo on Wednesday and play a two-game series in as many days against the Tigers at their home ground Jingu Stadium.