Takuya Furuya just got the job done with five innings of two-run ball and catcher Tatsuhiro Tamura hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly before providing an encore with a two-run single as the Chiba Lotte Marines defeated the Seibu Lions 10-2 on Saturday afternoon.
Backed by some strong relief from the bullpen and two-run blasts by Alfredo Despaigne and Ikuhiro Kiyota at QVC Marine Field, Lotte snapped the Pacific League-leading Lions' winning streak at seven games. Furuya (1-0) gave up four hits, struck out four and walked one to win in his season debut.
"I had to really work hard on the farm team to get here today," said Furuya. "I tried to keep the ball down and just throw my pitches. I was able to approach the mound just like I usually do. Well, it just feels great to be alive."