After winning their first Central League title in 14 years, the Tokyo Yakult Swallows are taking nothing for granted ahead of the CL Climax Series final stage against the Yomiuri Giants.
A day before the two teams battle for the right to play in the Japan Series, manager Mitsuru Manaka said Tuesday that the playoffs would be business as usual for his young team with little postseason experience.
"They (the Giants) are experienced champions. We've played all season like we were underdogs with nothing to lose and I don't see that changing," said the rookie skipper, whose club finished last the previous two seasons.