The Orix Buffaloes became the first Pacific League team to win three straight championships since 1994 on Wednesday as they clinched the pennant with a 6-2 win over the Chiba Lotte Marines.
The defending Japan Series champions overcame a 2-0 deficit at their home park, Kyocera Dome Osaka, with a six-run seventh inning and went on to secure their franchise's 15th PL pennant.
With a magic number of two to clinch and playing their closest rivals, the Buffaloes could control their own destiny, but surrendered the early lead.