CHIBA — The Marines had hopes for weeks to return to the warm cheers at home on a chilly November night.

The Japan Series moved to an open-aired Chiba Marine Stadium on Tuesday, when Game 3 of the Japan Series was played between Chiba Lotte and the Chunichi Dragons.

The last time the Marines played at their own ballpark was Oct. 1, when they edged the Orix Buffaloes 5-4 to earn a postseason ticket in the final regular-season game.