Kazuki Yoshimi threw one-run ball over 7⅓ strong innings and Masahiko Morino drove in both of his team's runs as the Chunichi Dragons edged the Tokyo Yakult Swallows 2-1 in Game 1 of the Central League Climax Series final stage on Wednesday.
The CL champion Dragons, who received an automatic one-win lead and home field advantage as the pennant winner, took a 2-0 lead in the series against the second-place Swallows. The first team to reach four wins advances to the best-of-seven Japan Series.
"That was a good game, wasn't it? I was wondering how things would turn out since it was our first game in two weeks," said outgoing Chunichi manager Hiromitsu Ochiai. "I guess I worried too much. The players are well rested and moving well."