DeNA takes Game 1 at Koshien
On October 14 at Koshien, DeNA beat Hanshin 2-0 to capture Game 1 of the Climax Series Final Stage. Starter Kentaro Taira worked 5 2/3 innings of three-hit, scoreless baseball to earn the win. Toshiro Miyazaki delivered a first-inning RBI, and Keita Sano added a sixth-inning solo. Manager Aikawa praised the bullpen’s scoreless relief.
Source: 日刊スポーツ
SoftBank rallies to win Game 1
On October 14 at the Mizuho PayPay Dome, Fukuoka SoftBank rallied to beat Hokkaido Nippon-Ham 6-4 in Game 1 of the Pacific League Climax Series Final. Starter Moineiro struggled early, but SoftBank plated five runs in the fourth to turn the game. Rookie third-round pick Gota Suzuki held the opposition scoreless for 1.1 innings in relief to record his first CS win. Attendance was 39,894.
Source: スポーツナビ（Yahoo! Japan）
Lotte sends youngsters to Dominican Winter League
On October 14, Chiba Lotte announced it will send two young players — pitcher Daisei and infielder Tatsunari Miyazaki — to the Dominican Winter League (Leones de Escogido). The club emphasized the value of international experience for prospects and expects them to develop through game action; both players expressed eagerness to gain varied experience.
Source: 日刊スポーツ
Giants’ Whitley returns to U.S.; future uncertain
The Yomiuri Giants announced that Forrest Whitley has returned to the United States. In his first season in Japan he appeared in 14 games, going 3-4 with a 2.31 ERA, but he did not pitch in the second half due to conditioning issues. The club expects his departure after the season is likely; Whitley called his year in Japan “an enjoyable one.”
Source: 日刊スポーツ
NPB: Pacific League Final opens Oct. 14; format outlined
On October 14, the NPB confirmed the opening of the Pacific League Climax Series Final Stage and detailed the competition format. The announcement reiterated how the regular-season champion’s advantage is applied against the First Stage winner depending on the season gap and summarized what to expect in the series.
Source: 日本野球機構
Yakult’s Ishikawa reflects on retirement
Masahiro Ishikawa, who retired at the end of this season after a 25-year career with Yakult, appeared live on TV on October 14 to reflect on his playing days. The long-serving club stalwart called his career “a happy baseball life” and suggested he may stay involved in the game as a coach or commentator.
Source: 日刊スポーツ