Jason Standridge threw seven scoreless innings on Sunday as the reigning champion Fukuoka Softbank Hawks took over first place for the first time this season with a 4-1 win over the Seibu Lions.
Standridge (5-2) allowed five singles and three walks, while striking out nine, while Edison Barrios and Dennis Sarfate worked the final two innings before 35,388 at Yafuoku Dome.
Things didn't start out well for Standridge, who had to pitch out of trouble in the fourth and fifth innings. But after he got a run, he raised his game, striking out five of the last six batters he faced by changing speeds and mixing up his pitches.