Shoitsu Omatsu hit a three-run homer, Yuji Yoshimi won despite allowing four runs in six innings and the Chiba Lotte Marines beat the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks 9-6 on Saturday to move back into a tie for first place after one day.
Omatsu took left-hander Toshiya Sugiuchi (15-6) deep to right-center to cap a five-run first at Yahoo Dome. Toshiaki Imae drove in three runs in a 2-for-4 outing.
"I knew it was important for us not to lose this game today, especially since we were facing Sugiuchi. I wanted to get us on the scoreboard first so we could take advantage," said Omatsu. "I knew it was a fly ball to the outfield but I was kind of surprised that it went out."