Ariel Miranda allowed three hits over six scoreless innings as the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks beat the Orix Buffaloes 9-2 on Sunday to preserve their slim lead in the Pacific League.
Miranda (4-3), who struck out four and walked one, won for the first time since May 19. The Hawks entered the day with a half-game lead over the second-place Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters and the win prevented SoftBank from being swept at home by the last-place Buffaloes.
"Considering the team's situation, I of course went to the mound determined not to drop this game," Miranda said after the contest at Yafuoku Dome.