Without ace pitcher Takayuki Kishi, few gave the Seibu Lions much of a chance this year, their first full campaign under skipper Norio Tanabe.
Yet, Seibu has so far defied predictions of failure and enter Sunday's game at QVC Marine Field atop the Pacific League.
"It's simplistic, but I think we've been able to concentrate on each pitch of each game," left fielder and captain Takumi Kuriyama told Kyodo News on Friday. "Some of that is due to the coaching staff for their clear support. They've created a great environment in which to play."