A year ago, all that stood between the Pacific League champion Fukuoka Softbank Hawks and a trip to the Japan Series was the third-place Chiba Lotte Marines.
A series that on paper should've been a walkover, ended with the Hawks in disbelief as the Marines celebrated the PL Climax Series title on the field at Yahoo Dome.
Softbank is back in the final stage this year with a strong rotation, a sturdy bullpen and an offense that can score with anybody.