TOKYO, 20 June 2004 — Julio Zuleta hit a three-run homer yesterday to power the streaking Daiei Hawks to a 6-4 victory over the Lotte Marines for their 11th straight win.
Zuleta’s homer to right field off Lotte starter Nate Minchey was his 18th of the season and gave the Hawks an early 5-0 lead in the first inning at Chiba Marine Stadium.
Daiei starter Junji Hoshino picked up the win and improved to 4-2 after holding the Marines to four runs on five hits over 6-1/3 innings. Koji Mise recorded the final three outs for the save, his 15th of the season.
Tasuku Hashimoto and Benny Agbayani hit solo homers for the Marines in a losing cause.
Minchey, who issued four walks in the first inning, took the loss after giving up six runs on five hits over seven innings.
