Kenji Otonari returned to the mound at Yafuoku Dome for the first time in over a year on Sunday, and pitched better than ever as the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks beat the Orix Buffaloes 3-2 to complete a three-game sweep in a battle between Pacific League leaders.
Otonari (1-0), who had season-ending surgery in June 2013 for ossification of the yellow ligament, was starting for the first time since May 31, 2013. He allowed a run on three hits and two walks in seven innings, while striking out five. After giving up a first-inning run, the 29-year-old lefty held Orix to just two singles over the next six innings.
"I was able to pitch the way I'm capable of," he said. "I would be lying if I said I had no doubts about my command."