SAPPORO -- Hokkaido didn't have to wait long for its first Japan Series championship.
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| Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters players give manager Trey Hillman Japan's traditional `doage' after clinching their first Japan Series title in 44 years Thursday by defeating the Chunichi Dragons 4-1 at Sapporo Dome. KYODO PHOTOS |
Three years after the Nippon Ham Fighters packed their bags for the northern island, they became Japan Series champions, clinching the title with a 4-1 victory over the Chunichi Dragons in Game 5 of the series Thursday at Sapporo Dome.