Even with superstar Masataka Yoshida gone to greener pastures, the Orix Buffaloes didn t miss a beat, becoming the first Pacific League team to win three consecutive pennants in the 21st century on Sept. 20.
The Orix Buffaloes have become the first Pacific League team to win three straight championships since 1994, when they clinched the pennant with a 6-2 win over the Lotte Marines.
Masataka Yoshida belted two home runs, including a ninth-inning walk-off blast that tied the Japan Series, as the Pacific League s Orix Buffaloes beat the Central League s Yakult Swallows 6-4 in Oct. 27 s Game 5.