Katsuhiko Miyaji hit a three-run homer in the second inning Thursday and Nobuhiko Matsunaka added a two-run blast in the third as the surging Softbank Hawks defeated the Hanshin Tigers 9-7 in interleague play.
Kosuke Fukudome of The Chunichi Dragons hits a solo homer off Seibu Lions starter Koji Onuma in the third inning Thursday at Nagoya Dome. The Dragons won 3-2.
Miyaji gave the Hawks an early 3-0 lead with a line drive off Hanshin starter Shinobu Fukuhara just over the fence in right field at Koshien Stadium. Matsunaka then widened the lead to 5-0 with his 22nd homer of the season.