The Fukuoka Softbank Hawks have struggled for much of the season, but the reigning Japan Series champions finally seem to be putting everything together just as the pennant race is about to turn the final corner.
The Hawks offense came through late and extended their winning streak to seven with an 8-2 win over the Seibu Lions at Seibu Dome on Wednesday night.
The victory put the Hawks half a game behind the second-place Lions and 1½ games behind the first-place Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters in the Pacific League standings.