OSAKA -- Ryan Howard ignited the MLB All-Stars, and the visitors are a game away from sweeping Nichibei Yakyu.
![News photo](../images/photos2006/sb20061108j1a.jpg)
Howard's solo shot in the eighth inning broke a 2-2 tie, setting the tone for a five-run rally as MLB beat the NPB team 7-2 Tuesday at Kyocera Dome, taking a 4-0 lead in the five-game series.