OSAKA — For the the first half of the season, most of the talk surrounding Chunichi Dragons pitcher Kenshin Kawakami involved a rumored move to a Major League Baseball club, injuries or a dismal showing in the Olympics.
After returning from Beijing, Kawakami has put the focus squarely back on his pitching.
Kawakami highlighted a solid second half with a scintillating performance against the Hanshin Tigers in Game 1 of the Central League Climax Series on Saturday which left the Dragons on the doorstep of an appearance in the second stage following the 2-0 win.