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The Yokohama DeNA BayStars are on the cusp of unprecedented glory after defeating the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks 7-0 in Game 5 of the NPB Japan Series. After trailing 0-2 in the series, the BayStars have won three straight and could win the series at their home stadium in Yokohama.
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"The trend of road teams winning continues as the DeNA #BayStars shutout the SoftBank #Hawks again to take a 3-2 lead in the Japan Series. The BayStars are one win away from a championship as the series shifts back to Yokohama this weekend." -@SportsLook
After losing the first two games at home, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars have stopped the scoring juggernaut of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks offense.
Kensuke Kondoh's RBI single in the first inning of Game 3 was the last time the SoftBank Hawks put a tick on the scoreboard. Since then, they have been on a 26-inning scoreless streak.
Yokohama starter Andre Jackson was lights out on the hill against the SoftBank Hawks. The former LA Dodger pitched seven innings of no-run ball with just three hits, two walks, eight strikeouts and 20 whiffs.
Former major leaguer Yoshitomo Tsutsugo opened the scoring for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in the top of the third after driving in a run. BayStars captain Shugo Maki added to the lead in the fourth inning with a three-run moon shot to left field.
With the bases loaded in the top of the ninth, Kouki Kajiwara delivered a two-RBI double. It pushed the score to 7-0 in favor of the visitors.
Yokohama DeNA BayStars places 2024 Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in infamy
Whichever way the 2024 NPB Japan Series goes, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars have certainly embedded their opponents on the wrong side of history.
The SoftBank Hawks have tied the record for the longest scoreless streak in Japan Series history. If they fail to score in the first inning of Game 1, they will overtake the 1958 Nishitetsu Lions for the unwanted distinction.
Fukuoka also became the third team in 71 years, after the 1951 and 1953 Nankai Hawks, to be shut out in consecutive NPB Japan Series games.
