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.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.