Veteran Yoshio Itoi broke a 1-1 fifth inning tie with his second home run of the season, leading the Central League-leading Hanshin Tigers to a 3-2 come-from-behind win over the Yokohama DeNA BayStars on Sunday.
Trailing 1-0 after 11 of the first 12 batters made out, rookie Teruaki Sato drew a leadoff walk from Michael Peoples (1-1) to open the fifth inning. Jerry Sands doubled Sato home to tie it, and Itoi put the visitors in front at Yokohama Stadium with one swing.
"I'm prepared every day. I prepared well and that resulted in a good result," said Itoi, a 39-year-old who has been largely relegated to the bench this season. "Teru got on and Sands built the rally, and I just did my part."