Kawasaki Motors on, Hawks Win Again

Yet again, the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks won by 1 run. This time it was super shortstop Munenori Kawasaki with the late-inning heroics, singling in what proved to be the game-winning run in the 7th inning as the Hawks dropped the Saitama Seibu Lions 3-2 at Seibu Dome on Friday.

Lefty ace Toshiya Sugiuchi went 8 innings and struck out 8 as the Hawks were able to rest their bullpen, but Sugiuchi later said, "I am not satisfied with the quality of my pitching, but I'm glad the team won." The spunky Lions kept mounting rallies against Sugiuchi (2 earned runs on 6 hits), but could not break him.

Hitoshi Tamura celebrated his 31st birthday in style with a 2-out RBI single in the 3rd, continuing his hot start, and American import Christopher Nitkowski notched his first save in Japan, continuing his superb start as well.

For the Lions, Craig Brazell did his part to try and spark the Seibu offense. He blasted his 3rd home run of the year, and also singled and scored on a sacrifice fly.

SOURCE: The Daily Yomiuri