DeNA BayStars advance to Climax Series Final Stage after sweeping Yomiuri Giants

The Yokohama DeNA BayStars have advanced to the Central League Climax Series Final Stage after defeating the Yomiuri Giants 2-0 in the First Stage.

In the second game at Tokyo Dome, DeNA secured a 4-1 victory. Ruki Watarai set the tone early with a lead-off home run in the first inning, and Shogo Todo added an RBI in the seventh. DeNA pitcher Yutaro Ishida earned his first career postseason win, pitching five innings and allowing only one run.

The Giants' attempt to stay in the series was hampered by early struggles from starting pitcher Kazuyuki Takemaru, who was removed after two innings following home runs by Watarai and hits by Keita Sano. Despite a solo home run by Bobby Dalbec in the fourth inning, the Giants' offense failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities, and their bullpen surrendered additional runs late in the game.

DeNA will now face the Hanshin Tigers in the Final Stage starting on the 14th to compete for a spot in the Japan Series.