The American had four RBIs while Japan Series MVP Koji Chikamoto went 4-for-5 in the Tigers' 7-1 win over the defending champion Orix Buffaloes.
For the first time since 1964, two teams from Kansai will square off in the Japan Series. Fifty-nine years ago, the Hawks triumphed over the Tigers.
The Swallows slugger overcame obstacles and broke Japanese-born players' single-season home run record with considerable pressure heaped upon him.