Livan Moinelo

Tokyo, Sept 30 (PL) The combination on the mound of Cuban starter Liván Moinelo with Mexican closer Roberto Osuna was key today for the SoftBank Falcons' victory in the Japanese Baseball League.

Moinelo could not get the win, but he did get another solid start, when he allowed only three singles with no runs in five innings, with four strikeouts and one walk.

Osuna did notch his 24th save as he worked the ninth at a one-hit, one-strikeout pace as SoftBank beat the Orix Buffaloes one run to zero.

The Falcons have only three games left in their regular schedule, but with a record of 89 hits and 49 losses, they secured the Pacific League title long ago and are sure to be in contention for the pennant on October 16. Meanwhile, the Dominican Gregory Polanco hit his 23rd home run, going 3-2, with a walk, in the Lotte Marinos' 2×1 victory over the Rakuten Eagles, direct rivals for access to the post-season.

The Marinos are still in the battle for third place in the Central League, with a 71-64 record, while Rakuten is 66-69 in fourth place, but has three more games to play.