Julio Zuleta hit a three-run homer to cap a five-run outburst in the first inning as the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks maintained the lead for good in a 6-4 victory over the Chiba Lotte Marines on Saturday, stretching the team's winning streak to 11 games.
Fukuoka Daiei slugger Julio Zuleta is congratulated by teammates after hitting a three-run homer in the first inning at Chiba Marine Stadium. The Hawks beat Chiba Lotte 6-4 to extended their club-record winning streak to 11.
Zuleta connected off Nate Minchey (4-3) after Kenji Jojima drew a bases-loaded walk -- the fourth walk of the inning -- and Hiroshi Shibahara followed with an RBI sacrifice fly to give Daiei a 5-0 cushion in the Pacific League game at Chiba Marine Stadium.