Overview
A winning streak refers to consecutive victories by a team or individual pitcher. For teams, a winning streak symbolizes momentum in the pennant race, with extended runs capable of rapidly closing or widening gaps in the standings. NPB history is rich with winning-streak drama. The Giants' 15-game streak in 1951 and the Rakuten Eagles' surge in 2013 - powered by Masahiro Tanaka's undefeated run - are remembered as season-defining events. For individual pitchers, Tanaka's 24 consecutive wins from the start of the 2013 season (28 including the previous year's carryover) stands as an untouchable monument. Winning streaks are sustained by a confluence of factors: a hot-hitting lineup, stable pitching, solid defense, and elevated team morale. Each victory breeds confidence for the next, creating a virtuous cycle. Conversely, the end of a streak can trigger a psychological letdown leading to losing skids, making streak management a test of coaching acumen.