Former major leaguer Rich Gale pitched a...

Former major leaguer Rich Gale pitched a seven-hitter as the Hanshin Tigers beat the Seibu Lions, 9-3, and won the Japan Series for the first time.

The Osaka-based Tigers, winners of the Central League pennant, took the best-of-seven series, four games to two.

Randy Bass, another ex-major leaguer who won the batting triple crown this season, was chosen the Most Valuable Player of the series. He batted .368, hit three home runs and drove in nine runs for the Tigers.