The second game of the Japan Series played out almost like a carbon copy of the first. Right down to the part where the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks were celebrating another victory.
Rick van den Hurk threw eight innings of three-hit ball, Lee Dae-ho and Akira Nakamura homered and the Hawks moved one step closer to their ultimate goal with a 4-0 victory over the Tokyo Yakult Swallows on Sunday night at Yafuoku Dome.
The Hawks are now halfway to a second consecutive Japan Series title. Softbank can wrap up the crown with a pair of wins at Jingu Stadium, the Swallows' home park, which hosts the next three games. Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday night at 6:15 p.m.