The Chiba Lotte Marines are in, the Seibu Lions are out and the NPB postseason is set.
Lotte punched its ticket with a win over the Lions on Sunday afternoon in what was essentially a playoff game before the playoffs.
Needing a win to secure second place in the Pacific League and the Climax Series spot that comes with it, Lotte fell behind early Sunday afternoon, with starter Daiki Iwashita allowing a pair of runs in the second inning.