Hiroshi Kisanuki went the distance on one-run ball, Keiji Obiki hit a bases-clearing triple in a five-run sixth inning and the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters routed the Seibu Lions 9-1 to win their fifth game in a row on Saturday afternoon.
The rejuvenated Fighters returned to .500 for the first time since their second game of the season on March 30.
Kisanuki (6-3) scattered four hits and struck out six with no walks. His only miscue was surrendering a solo blast to Yutaro Osaki in the fifth. Relying primarily on his tailing fastball and his forkball, both of which had unusually good late movement, Kisanuki had little trouble going the distance for the second time this season.
"The lineup won this. That made it easier for me to pitch," Kisanuki said.