Baseball: Neftali Soto, Dallas Keuchel lead Marines past Eagles

CHIBA, Japan (Kyodo) — Former Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel earned his first win in Japan on Thursday when Neftali Soto hit a tie-breaking two-run home run in a 3-1 Pacific League victory over the Rakuten Eagles.

Keuchel (1-1), who joined the Marines in July, allowed a run on three hits and three walks over five innings at Zozo Marine Stadium east of Tokyo and escaped a third-inning jam with the help of his defense.

With one out and the bases loaded, second baseman Yudai Fujioka made a diving stop to prevent a run-scoring single, and Keuchel escaped further damage.

Soto then homered in the bottom of the inning to give the Marines the lead that Keuchel and four relievers protected the rest of the way.

“I’m really happy,” said Soto, who had three hits. “I haven’t been in very good form lately, but I’ve been putting in the work. September is so crucial. I want to produce and help the team.”

Keuchel thanked Soto and the Marines fans for the loud and energetic support they are famous for.

“They made it a lot of fun tonight,” he said. “And I know my wife in the crowd enjoyed it, too. Thank you for the support.”

Among other games on Thursday, Shosei Togo (10-7) worked seven innings, two relievers completed the one-hit shutout, and Kazuma Okamoto hit a three-run home run as the Central League’s Yomiuri Giants beat the Yakult Swallows 3-0.