Despaigne gives Softbank win with seventh home run

Havana, October 10 (RHC/JIT)-- Cuban Alfredo Despaigne hit his seventh home run of the 2021 professional baseball season in Japan on Sunday to give the SoftBank Falcons a 3-1 win over the Orix Buffaloes.   He did it in three innings and towed two of his team's three runs.

The Granma slugger, who had not been on the road since September 30, raised his average to .249 and his total of runs batted in to 33.

At Yokohama Stadium, the DeNA All-Stars defeated the Chunichi Dragons 2x1, in a game in which Dayán Viciedo added a double and a single in four visits to the plate; and Ariel Martínez hit a single in a relief appearance.

In addition, right-hander Raidel Martínez took the loss after allowing one run and one hit in two thirds of relief.  His effectiveness rose to 2.25.

At the Sapporo Dome, the Nippon Ham Wrestlers and the Lotte Marinos tied at four runs. Leonys Martín (Lotte) failed in three opportunities and received a ticket to reduce his average to .245. Adeiny Hechavarría went 4-0 to lower his to .201.

The regular season ends on October 22. At this moment, in the Central League, the Yakult Swallows, the Hanshin Tigers and the Yomiuri Giants are practically qualified.

In the Pacific League, the Orix Buffaloes, Lotte Marinos and Rakuten Eagles also appear to be safe.

The Softbank Falcons, four-time Japan Series champions, appear 5.5 games behind Rakuten (third place).  Their elimination is imminent.