There was no Japan Series game played Monday, but it was still an eventful afternoon for Hiroshima Carp pitcher Kris Johnson.

Johnson was named the 2016 Sawamura Award winner, becoming the first foreign player to earn the honor, given to each year's top starting pitcher, since former Hanshin Tigers star Gene Bacque won in 1964.

"First of all, it's a huge honor to receive this award." Johnson said in an empty Sapporo Dome on Monday. "I'd be lying if I said I take all the credit myself. Definitely it's an individual award, but I had a great bunch of guys behind me all year."