D.J. Houlton isn't feeling any pressure ahead of his Japan Series debut. It's the waiting that's the hardest part.
The Fukuoka Softbank Hawks hurler last pitched Oct. 18, when he beat the Orix Buffaloes for his 19th win of the season. He was in line to pitch Game 4 of the Pacific League Climax Series final stage, but the Hawks finished off the Seibu Lions in three games.
Now it finally looks like Houlton will get his chance, in Softbank's most important game of the year as the Hawks′ Game 4 starter on Wednesday.