Rakuten ace Masahiro Tanaka turned the tables on the Pacific League-leading Seibu Lions on Sunday, going the distance in a 9-2 Eagles victory.
Tanaka, who had been beaten up in his two starts this season against Seibu, scattered eight hits and two walks, while striking out five in a 116-pitch effort. The Eagles' fourth-straight win lifted them into fourth place ahead of the Lotte Marines. The Lions remained in first place, leading the Nippon Ham Fighters on winning percentage.
"Two times, the Seibu lineup whipped me, but today we scored early and I was able to relax and keep them (the Lions) under control without throwing too many pitches," said Tanaka, who improved to 8-4.