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.
Although the Japan Series championship was within reach, Orix Buffaloes manager Satoshi Nakajima did not give a special pep talk to the team or devise a new strategy.