Yomiuri Giants right-hander Jeremy Powell and Hanshin Tigers outfielder Osamu Hamanaka were named Tuesday the most valuable players of April in the Central League.
Powell posted four wins in as many starts, including two complete-game shutouts and got the MVP award for the third time in Japan and first time since 2002 with the Kintetsu Buffaloes. Hamanaka, who received the accolade for the first time, led the league with a .435 batting average and 10 homers in April.
In the Pacific League, Softbank Hawks right-hander Nagisa Arakaki was named MVP for the fourth straight season while Lotte Marines infielder Kazuya Fukuura received the honor for position players for his performance in March and April.
Arakaki marked five straight wins for his first award since last September and fourth overall. Fukuura batted .422 to top the league for his first monthly MVP in his 13th year with Lotte.