In a scene straight out of last year's Japan Series, the Chiba Lotte Marines were mounting a late-inning rally against the Chunichi Dragons.
Chunichi has put that heartbreak behind them. This time, they made sure the Marines came up short.
Kei Nomoto hit a tie-breaking two-run single in a four-run eighth inning and closer Hitoki Iwase avoided a meltdown in the ninth as the Dragons opened the interleague schedule with a 6-5 win over the Marines on Tuesday night at QVC Marine Field.