CHIBA, Japan -- Backdropped by the deadly earthquake and tsunami and worsening radiation leak, the Japan Pro Baseball season opened Tuesday to relief, empathy and cheers as the Rakuten Eagles beat the defending champion Chiba Lotte Marines 6-4.
The Eagles' home of Sendai has been one of the hardest hit by last month's earthquake and tsunami, and they're unable to use their own stadium until April 29.
An earthquake in Chiba early Tuesday and another felt in the stadium during the game didn't deter the 22,525 hardy fans who gathered at QVC Marine Field for the Pacific League opener.
