Shuichi Murata hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning as the Yokohama BayStars beat the newly crowned Central League champion Yomiuri Giants 3-1 on Wednesday.
Rakuten Golden Eagles starter Masahiro Tanaka pitches against the Nippon Ham Fighters on Wednesday at
Fullcast Stadium. The Eagles won 5-1 in their final meeting with the Fighters this season.
KYODO PHOTOMurata connected off reliever Yuya Kubo (3-5) for his 34th home run, one behind Yomiuri's Yoshinobu Takahashi and the Chunichi Dragons' Tyrone Woods for the league lead.