TOKOROZAWA, Saitama Pref. -- Third place is feeling a whole lot better than first has the last couple years for the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks.

Homare Inamine hit a game-tying, pinch-hit single, Julio Zuleta blasted a three-run home run and Akihiro Yanase picked up his second win of the postseason as the third-seeded Hawks beat the Seibu Lions 6-1 on Monday afternoon, taking the first-stage Pacific League playoffs 2-1.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.