Orix ace Chihiro Kaneko threw a two-hit shutout as the Buffaloes won their home opener and their fourth straight game on Friday, beating the Seibu Lions 3-0.
Pitching aggressively, Kaneko struck out 14, while hitting one batter and walking none in a 120-pitch effort. It was closer to what people expect from the right-hander, who allowed three runs on eight hits on Opening Day.
"I made trouble for the team with my lame pitching on Opening Day, and tonight I tried to make each pitch count," Kaneko said. "I don't normally pitch this well. I want to pitch like this about once a year.