Hayato Sakamoto singled in two runs in the ninth inning as the Yomiuri Giants came from behind to beat the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles 3-2 in interleague play on Sunday afternoon.
Rakuten right-hander Takahiro Norimoto (7-4), who had been a key part of the Eagles' first Pacific League and Japan Series championships last season, held the Giants to one hit through eight innings but gave up three runs in the ninth. The right-hander surrendered six singles and struck out six, without issuing a walk.
The Eagles, however, left the bases loaded three times, and didn't get on the scoreboard until former Giant John Bowker homered to lead off the eighth.