MLB & NPB playoffs: Sox tie it, Fighters are through to Japan Series

The Boston Red Sox came back after being down 1-3 beating Cleveland in the last two matches and therefore getting a final and decisive Game 7 at Fenway Park. Beckett and Shilling were the winning pitchers in Game 5 and 6 and J.D. Drew, the man some labeled as the biggest disappointment for the Red Sox this season turned up the offense with a grand slam homerun in the first inning of last night game. The 12-2 win was never in danger as the Indians pitching staff was not the best with starter Fausto Carmona lasting only 2 innings. It seemed like the Boston team was really determined in last night's game. Everybody looked really well and there were some fine defensive plays as well.
Game 5 set the tone for what was to come with another brilliant performance by Josh Beckett. He dominated Cleveland once again and even had time to quarrel with Indians outfielder Kenny Lofton.

Meanwhile across the Pacific the contenders for the Japan Series have been determined. Last year's champions Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters won a five game series against the Chiba Lotte Marines 3-2 with Yu Darvish winning the final game. They will now face a familiar opponent because the Chunichi Dragons, last year's runner-up in the Japan Series, won their Climax Series in the Central League by sweeping the Yomiuri Giants 3-0. So now it's the question whether history will repeat itself or will the Dragons have their say against the Fighters this time.