Yoshitomo Tsutsugo hit a tiebreaking solo homer in the eighth inning as the DeNA BayStars overcame a seven-run deficit to beat the Hanshin Tigers 11-9 on Saturday.
Three home runs turned the game around in the eighth. After a Tatsuo Ebina two-run blast tied the game at 9-all, Tsutsugo and Shugo Maki launched back-to-back bombs at Yokohama Stadium.
"It's huge for us that we found a way to win from a deficit of that many runs," said Tsutsugo, who recently returned to his former team from a disappointing four-year stint in the United States.
"I was terrible in my previous four at-bats. I was able to hit the home run because everyone on the team gave me momentum."
Koji Chikamoto hit a grand slam and a two-run double to help Hanshin build a 9-2 lead after three innings. DeNA pulled to within two at 9-7 with a four-run fifth.
In other action, the SoftBank Hawks beat the Orix Buffaloes 4-1 for their fifth straight victory.
