Ex-MLB slugger Gomes homers in 2nd preseason game in Japan

TOKYO (AP) Jonny Gomes has wasted no time getting into the swing in Japan.

After agreeing a $2 million, one-year deal with the Rakuten Eagles, Gomes hit a home run in just his second preseason game on Friday.

Batting cleanup, Gomes hit a two-run homer in the first inning to help the Eagles win 11-2 over the Seibu Lions. He was hitless in his first game on Thursday.

The 35-year-old outfielder hit 162 home runs over 13 seasons in Major League Baseball.

Gomes said ''With runners on, I was just trying to make contact. It felt great to hit a home run in that situation.''

Gomes is the most prominent former major leaguer in Japan this season. Others include Garrett Jones of the Yomiuri Giants and Yamaico Navarro of the Lotte Marines.

Gomes' deal calls for a $1.5 million salary this year; the Eagles have a $3 million option with a $500,000 buyout.