CHIBA — At times this season the Nippon Ham offense has had trouble giving its starting pitchers any run support. That lack of production helped lead to the Fighters' worst losing streak in two years earlier this season. It's also why Thursday afternoon's win at Chiba Marine Stadium must have been gratifying.
The Fighters scored eight runs, enough to back a strong performance by starter Yoshinori Tateyama, to beat Chiba Lotte 8-2. Tateyama (2-3) pitched six innings, allowing two runs on five hits and striking out six. The Nippon Ham offense backed him with a 17-hit day.
Lotte starter Yasutomo Kubo (2-2) lasted 5 2/3 innings, giving up four runs on nine hits.