Ernesto Mejia's 23rd homer of the year and some outstanding work by the pitching staff earned the Seibu Lions a 2-2 tie against the Pacific League-leading SoftBank Hawks on Tuesday.
In their last turn at bat in the 12th inning against Kazuki Miyata (0-0), the Lions' eighth pitcher, Seiichi Uchikawa singled with one out, but pinch runner Ryoma Kidokoro was caught stealing for the second out. Lee Dae Ho kept the inning alive by drawing a walk, but Yuki Yanagita struck out to end the game.
It was the Lions' fourth tie in their last eight games, and interim manager Norio Tanabe was a little frustrated by some of his men's at-bats.