Overview
The winning formula refers to a fixed bullpen relay pattern for closing out games when the team holds a lead, typically from the 7th inning onward. In the standard configuration, Pitcher A handles the 7th, Pitcher B (the setup man) takes the 8th, and Pitcher C (the closer) finishes the 9th. Teams with an established winning formula suffer fewer late-inning collapses and maintain more consistent winning percentages. The concept gained widespread recognition in NPB during the 2000s. The Hanshin Tigers' JFK trio (Jeff Williams, Kyuji Fujikawa, Tomoyuki Kubota) famously anchored the 2005 championship run, and the establishment of their relay dramatically improved the team's win rate. A functioning winning formula requires each pitcher to clearly understand his role and deliver consistent performance. However, over-reliance on a fixed formula risks overworking specific relievers, leading to fatigue accumulation in the second half and elevated injury risk. Additionally, if one component of the formula is lost to injury or poor form, the entire team's competitive capacity can decline sharply.