Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka looking extend winning streak in Japan Series

TOKYO – Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka will be aiming to extend one of the most successful runs in the history of professional baseball when he takes the mound for the Rakuten Eagles in Game 1 of the Japan Series on Saturday.

The 24-year-old Tanaka is 24-0 this season and will be looking to extend his consecutive win streak in the best-of-seven series against the Yomiuri Giants.

Japan's version of the World Series pits Japan's oldest, most established team against the upstart Eagles, who have been around only since 2005.

The Eagles are based in Sendai and represent the Tohoku region that was devastated by the March 11, 2011, earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crises.