The Chunichi Dragons have their fair share of youth on the roster, but it was a group of veterans who helped them reach the Japan Series with a 4-3 win over the Yomiuri Giants in Game 4 of the Central League Climax Series on Saturday.

Starting pitcher Masahiro Yamamoto, in his 27th season, began the night with a bit of history, at age 45 becoming the oldest hurler to record a postseason appearance.

He did his job well, delivering 4 1/3 scoreless innings to keep the Giants off the scoreboard early.