Takahiro Norimoto went the distance on Opening Day as the Japan Series champion Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles defeated the Seibu Lions 2-1 on Friday
Norimoto, the 2013 Pacific League Rookkie of the Year who went 15-8 in his freshman campaign, struck out 10 in a 133-pitch effort and Kazuo Matsui belted a two-run homer against his old team to provide all the offense before a crowd of 31,819 at Seibu Dome.
Lions starter Takayuki Kishi allowed two runs in seven innings. The right-hander gave up seven hits, while walking one and striking out three.