The Fukuoka Softbank Hawks completed a three-game sweep of the Chiba Lotte Marines in the Pacific League Climax Series final stage on Friday, winning 3-1 and advancing to the Japan Series, where they will pursue a second straight Japan title.
Behind six-plus innings from Kenichi Nakata (1-0), the Hawks opened the scoring in the third inning on a two-out RBI single by Seiichi Uchikawa off Ayumu Ishikawa (0-1), and Lee Dae-ho followed with his second homer in two days to make it 3-0 at Yafuoku Dome.
Leadoff man Kenji Akashi opened the inning with a single. A sacrifice followed as the Hawks continued their conservative postseason play. With two outs and the runner at second, Uchikawa put his team in front.