D.J. Houlton didn't know what to expect, and there was a good chance no one else did either.
The 32-year-old Yomiuri Giants hurler couldn't remember ever making a start on three days' rest, even as far back as his days pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Giants had dug one heck of a hole for themselves too, dropping the first three games of the Central League Climax Series final stage against the Chunichi Dragons, and were facing elimination for the third straight night.