The first stage of the Pacific League Climax Series matches two teams that will contest strength against strength to decide which team will advance to face the Seibu Lions in the second stage.
The two-time defending Pa League Climax Series Champion Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters will pit Yu Darvish and their pitching staff against the Orix Buffaloes' powerful Tuffy Rhodes-driven offense in Saturday's series-opening game.
Here are five key questions ahead of the series: