The Marines didn't necessarily play their best game, but it didn't bother them. They were desperate for a "W" as the pennant race resumed.
Starting pitcher Yuji Nishino pitched patiently, allowing one run in seven inning, as Chiba Lotte beat the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters 2-1 at QVC Marine Field on Sunday.
It was a big victory for the Pacific League-leading Marines, who had struggled with a 5-7 record this month.