Former Yankee Laird leads Nippon Ham to Japan Series title

HIROSHIMA, Japan (AP) Former New York Yankees infielder Brandon Laird hit a grand slam in the eighth inning on Saturday as the Nippon Ham Fighters beat the Hiroshima Carp 10-4 to win the Japan Series in six games.

The Fighters scored two runs in the top of the eighth to break a 4-4 tie and Laird connected off Hiroshima reliever Jay Jackson to put the game out of reach.

Laird, who was named series MVP, led the Pacific League this season with 39 homers and hit three home runs in the six-game series.

The Pacific League champion Fighters won their third Nippon Professional Baseball championship and their first in 10 years.

The Central League champion Carp were bidding for their first Japan Series championship since 1984.