Entering the postseason, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters weren't favored to reach the Japan Series.
They barely made third place in the Pacific League, and they have been a weak-hitting club this season.
But once the Climax Series playoffs began, the Fighters offense and strong pitching staff helped them win first stage games against the Orix Buffaloes in a 2-0 sweep, and grab two wins to tie the ongoing second-stage series against the regular-season champion Seibu Lions, who had a one-game advantage due to the playoff format.