Slugging ace pitcher Shohei Otani had three hits, while allowing a run in seven innings for the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters in a 12-3 whipping of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in the Pacific League on Sunday afternoon.

Getting a jump on the interleague season which starts Tuesday, the Fighters opted to go without a designated hitter, so Otani, who typically fills the role a few times a week between starts, could bat sixth. Otani went 3-for-5 with a double, an RBI and two runs.

At packed Kobo Stadium, Otani (3-4) allowed four hits and two walks, while striking out six en route to winning his second straight start.