CHIBA – Hayato Nishiura drove in the game-tying run as the Orix Buffaloes came from behind against the Chiba Lotte Marines in a game declared a 2-2 tie after 12 innings on Monday night.
The Buffaloes drove in two runs in the top of the second to tie the game at 2-2 at Zozo Marine Stadium. Keita Nakagawa singled, and reached third on a throwing error before scoring the Buffaloes’ first run on a groundout. Nishiura capped the inning with a two-out RBI single to score in Ryoichi Adachi.
Leonys Martin put Lotte on the scoreboard with his 10th home run of the season, a two-run shot in the first inning against Orix starter Kohei Suzuki.
Both teams failed to take advantage of their numerous opportunities despite putting runners in scoring position in a game that lasted more than four hours.
Suzuki threw six innings in his first start since Aug. 18. He allowed five hits and three walks, while fanning three over six innings. Five Buffaloes relievers combined to keep the home team scoreless the rest of the way.
“I think I managed to throw persistently and hold off the batters at important points in the game,” Suzuki said.
Six Marines relievers held Orix hitless after starter Seiya Dohi was pulled out after 5-2/3 innings. Dohi gave up six hits and a walk, while striking out six.