Jose Fernandez and Hiroyuki Nakajima drove in two runs apiece Wednesday as the Seibu Lions edged the Orix Buffaloes 6-5 and reduced their magic number to five for clinching the Pacific League title.
Fernandez singled in two runs to give Seibu a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning. Nakajima highlighted a four-run third with a two-run homer at Skymark Stadium.
Masamitsu Hirano (4-4) allowed one run and six hits in 6 1/3 innings.
"I didn't pitch well in my previous start, so I was determined to turn in a solid outing tonight," Hirano said. "I had plenty of early run support. I was able to pitch with confidence."