Hitoshi Tamura hit a three-run homer in the first inning as the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks beat the Chiba Lotte Marines 4-2 on Friday to take sole possession of first place in the Pacific League.
Tamura connected off Yoshihisa Naru (10-11) for his 21st home run of the season and a 3-0 lead in the first at Yahoo Dome. Hiroki Kokubo added an RBI single in the fourth after Lotte drew within 3-2 in the top half of the inning.
Masahiko Morifuku (1-0) picked up his first career win with 1 2/3 scoreless innings in relief. Takahiro Mahara pitched the ninth for his 27th save.
Lotte had its winning streak snapped at three games and dropped to second in the standings.