Seibu 1, at Lotte 3

CHIBA, Japan (Interstat) — In a tightly contested pitchers’ duel to open the Pacific League season, the Chiba Lotte Marines used timely hitting and a lockdown bullpen to edge the Saitama Seibu Lions 3-1 on Friday night at a chilly Chiba Marine Stadium. A crowd of 29,469 watched as the Marines, slight favorites according to pregame projections, methodically built a lead and then relied on late-inning power and relief pitching to secure the victory. The game, which lasted 2 hours and 33 minutes, saw both teams manage seven hits, but Lotte capitalized more effectively with runners in scoring position. The… Read more...