Right-hander Kenta Maeda allowed three runs in eight innings in what could turn out to be his final home game for the Hiroshima Carp, who were consigned to third place on Monday in a 4-1 loss to the Central League-champion Yomiuri Giants.
The game will be Hiroshima's last at home unless it becomes just the second third-place team to reach the Japan Series through the playoffs. The 26-year-old Maeda (11-9), whose career record sits at 82-59, is eager to play in the majors and would draw strong interest if the Carp agree to post him. The Carp ace allowed 10 hits and a walk, while striking out seven.
The Carp will open the postseason against the second-place Hanshin Tigers at Koshien Stadium on Saturday in the best-of-three first stage of the CL Climax Series. The winner will play the final stage at Tokyo Dome, with the league champs holding a one-game advantage in the best-of-seven series.