SAPPORO, Japan (Interstat) — Masayuki Kuwahara hit a decisive two-run homer in the seventh inning Friday night, powering the Seibu Lions to a 5-3 win over the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters at Sapporo Dome.

The Lions built their lead with single runs in the first and fifth before Kuwahara’s blast. Takayoshi Yamamura added a solo shot in the eighth. Chusei Mannami hit a solo homer for the Fighters, who scored twice in the first on sacrifice flies.

Winning pitcher Yutaro Watanabe allowed three runs over seven innings. Hakua Iwaki earned his fifth save. The Lions improved to 7-11-1, while the Fighters fell to 8-10.