InsideJapan News Network

The Chunichi Dragons laid to rest some unhappy memories from last season at QVC Marine Field last night (May 17th) as they managed to overcome the Chiba Lotte Marines, despite a spirited late comeback from the home side.

In what looked set to be a repeat of last year's Japan Series match between these two sides, the Marines staged an impressive rally to push the Dragons all the way.

However, Hitoki Iwase saw his team through to a dramatic 6-5 win in the first game of the interleague schedule, which sees teams from the Pacific League face their Central League counterparts.

The Dragons took a late 5-3 lead after Kei Nomoto hit a two-run single with bases loaded in the eighth inning.

Veteran closing pitcher Iwase made his seventh save of the season to close out the game, taking him to a career total of 283, just three short of the all-time record.

Written by Mark Smith


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