Yurisbel Gracial delivered a solo home run, while Kodai Senga threw eight innings of one-run ball, as the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks held on for a 3-2 win over the Seibu Lions on Thursday.
The result put the reigning Japan Series champions back on top of the Pacific League standings just a day after the Lions had moved into first place with a 4-1 win in the series opener at MetLife Dome.
Hawks closer Yuito Mori battled through a nervous ninth inning for his 31st save, getting the final outs after giving up a homer and allowing the Lions to put the tying run on base.