Right-hander Shohei Otani showed flashes of brilliance on Tuesday, but it wasn't enough to pave the way to victory as Samurai Japan lost 3-1 in the concluding game of the Japan-MLB All-Star Series.
Although outhit badly in the finale, Japan won the five-game series 3-2. It was the first competition against visiting big leaguers since 2006, and will conclude Wednesday with an exhibition in Okinawa.
In front of his hometown fans at Sapporo Dome, Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters star Otani allowed two runs in four innings. The 20-year-old flamethrower struck out seven but allowed four hits, two walks, hit a batter and uncorked a run-scoring wild pitch.