InsideJapan News Network

A two-run homer from American slugger Brett Harper helped the Yokohama BayStars to a 4-3 victory over the Yomiuri Giants, who remain rooted to the bottom of the Japanese Central Baseball league.

Harper's long-range shot into the right centre of the field meant that the BayStars extended their winning streak to five games in a row, Kyodo News reported.

Shuichi Murata also got onto the scoreboard with a solo home run in the second innings, during the first night-time game of the season at the Tokyo Dome.

Yomiuri had managed to overturn a 2-0 deficit to lead 3-2, but failed to cling on to claim victory, despite singles from Rusty Ryal, Hirokazu Sawamura and Ryota Wakiya.

Sawamura also put in a solid shift as pitcher, conceding only six hits in seven innings.

Meanwhile, in the Pacific League, the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks beat the Orix Buffaloes 5-3 to maintain the top spot.

Written by Mark Smith


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