CHIBA -- Toshiaki Imae wasted no time settling into his new spot in the batting order, and the Chiba Lotte Marines took an easy first step toward ending 31 years of futility.
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| Chiba Lotte infielder Toshiaki Imae rounds the bases after hitting a solo homer in the first inning in Game 1 of the Japan Series against the Hanshin Tigers at Chiba Marine Stadium on Saturday. The Marines beat the Tigers 10-1. |
Instead of setting the table in the No. 2 spot, Imae was more apt to clear it, going 4-for-4 with a home run and an RBI double in Lotte's 10-1 fog-shortened win over the Hanshin Tigers in Game 1 of the Japan Series on Saturday at Chiba Marine Stadium.