The beginning of Chunichi Dragons pitcher Edward Valdez's first game in Japan went all wrong. Thanks to teammate Masaaki Koike, the ending was just right.
Koike hit a tie-breaking two-run homer in the sixth inning and a host of Dragons relievers made the lead hold up as the Nagoya club avoided a series sweep with a 5-2 win on Thursday at Jingu Stadium.
"I feel good," Valdez said after the victory. "I'm happy. This was the first game I threw in Japan's top league and I got a win."