Ryo Hijirisawa hit a two-run double in the ninth inning as Tohoku Rakuten came from behind to defeat the Orix Buffaloes 4-3 on Sunday, maintaining the Eagles' lead in the Pacific League standings by virtue of winning percentage.
Eagles starter Yoshinao Kamata was sent to an early shower after surrendering three runs on six hits in three-plus innings, but five more pitchers kept the Buffaloes at bay. Fourth reliever Yuya Kubo (2-0) picked up the win after getting five outs through the eighth.
Rakuten got on the scoreboard first at Kyocera Dome Osaka, with catcher Motohiro Shima driving in a run in the second inning, but Orix tied the game in the bottom frame on Chris Marrero's RBI single.