The last time the Hanshin Tigers went to the Japan Series, they had to scratch and claw their way through seven games to win their first championship.
This year will probably be no different.
Make no mistake -- Hanshin pounced on the rest of the CL this season this season, producing an enviable 87-51 record (.630 winning percentage), a significant improvement on their last pennant-winning record of 74-49 (.602) in 1985.