CHIBA — The Chiba Lotte Marines gave Fukuoka Softbank Hawks manager Sadaharu Oh, a video tribute, flowers and a hero's sendoff to celebrate his last visit to Chiba Marine Stadium. The win, however, they kept for themselves.
Pitcher Naoyuki Shimizu mowed down a punchless Hawks lineup as the Marines kept their playoff hopes alive with a 4-2 victory on Saturday at Chiba Marine Stadium.
Shimizu (13-9) turned in another strong late-season start for Lotte, which began the day a half-game behind the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters for the third and final playoff spot in the Pacific League.