Norihiro Nakamura hit a three-run homer to key a four-run third inning Thursday, helping to back an effective outing by Takashi Ogasawara as the Chunichi Dragons downed the Chiba Lotte Marines 4-1 in interleague action.
Kazuhiro Wada had a sacrifice fly with one out and the bases loaded in the third and Nakamura followed with a drive to right — his 10th homer of the season — off Lotte rookie starter Yuki Karakawa (3-1) at Chiba Marine Stadium.
Ogasawara (6-3) held Chiba's bats to one run in 6 1/3 innings, striking out four and walking three to tied Kazuki Yoshimi for the team lead in wins.
