Dragons pitch perfect game to win first title in 53 years

The Chunichi Dragons defeated the Nippon Ham Fighters 1-0 on Thursday, winning their first Japan Series in 53 years. On top of that, starter Daisuke Yamai and closer Hitoki Iwase combined to pitch the first perfect game (and no-hitter) in the history of the Japan Series.

Yamai struck out six over eight innings, then handed it over to Iwase, who struck out the last three batters in the ninth. Opposing pitcher Yu Darvish took the loss. Even though he struck out 11 and gave up only five hits through seven innings, the Dragons were able to score off a sacrifice fly by Ryosuke Hirata in the second inning.

Infielder Norihiro Nakamura earned the title of series MVP. He had four RBIs over the five games.

The Dragons-Fighters matchup was a repeat of last year, when the Fighters won in five.

Source:
Mainichi Shinbun