FUKUOKA – Kenji Otonari returned to the mound at Yafuoku Dome for the first time in over a year on Sunday, and pitched better than ever as the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks beat the Orix Buffaloes 3-2 to complete a three-game sweep in a battle between Pacific League leaders.
Otonari (1-0), who had season-ending surgery in June 2013 for ossification of the yellow ligament, was starting for the first time since May 31, 2013. He allowed a run on three hits and two walks in seven innings, while striking out five. After giving up a first-inning run, the 29-year-old lefty held Orix to just two singles over the next six innings.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.