A first-inning blast from Takeya Nakamura proved the difference Tuesday as the Seibu Lions overpowered the Orix Buffaloes 5-1 in the Pacific League.
Seibu starter Zach Neal (9-1) moved closer to a 10-win season in his first year in Japan, getting the victory after striking out three, while allowing five hits and no walks in 6-1/3 innings.
The Lions, who started the day one game behind the PL-leading Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, received contributions from five other pitchers after manager Hatsuhiko Tsuji pulled Neal in the top of the seventh at Hotto Motto Field.