Nathan Minchey scattered five hits over eight innings and won his fifth straight decision as the Chiba Lotte Marines edged the Nippon Ham Fighters 1-0 at Chiba Marine Stadium on Monday.
Minchey (6-3) struck out six and walked two while closer Masahide Kobayashi pitched a perfect ninth for his 15th save.
Lotte left fielder Rick Short hit a grounder in the first inning with one out and bases loaded off Nippon Ham starter Itsuki Shoda (1-6) to bring home the only run of the game.