Designated hitter Julio Zuleta drove in the winning run Saturday to lift the Pacific League champion Fukuoka Daiei Hawks to a dramatic 5-4 victory over the Central League champion Hanshin Tigers in Game 1 of the Japan Series.
With runners on first and second and two out in the bottom of the ninth, Zuleta connected off Hanshin reliever Yuya Ando for a walkoff single to left over the head of Hanshin center fielder Norihiro Akahoshi.
After pinch runner Motoi Okoshi scored the winning run from second, Daiei players came charging off the bench to mob Zuleta.
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