Fukuoka Softbank Hawks have earned a place in the Pacific League Climax Series after finishing the regular season in third place. In Stage 1 of the Climax Series, the Hawks will play second place Saitama Seibu Lions in a best-of-three series at the Lions’ home ground. The winner of Stage 1 will come up against Nippon Ham Fighters (from Hokkaido) in the Stage 2 series. The Fighters start Stage 2 with a one game win advantage as winners of the regular season. Stage 2 is a six game series and all games will be held at the Fighters’ home ground. The winner of Stage 2 will be crowned Pacific League Champion and will take on the winner of the Central League in the seven game Japan Series to determine the champion team of Japan Baseball.
