Oh, what a feeling!

Cabrera ties Japan's single-season record with 55th HR

TOKYO (AP) -- Alex Cabrera hit his 55th home run Wednesday, tying the Japanese single-season record set by Sadaharu Oh in 1964 and matched by Tuffy Rhodes last year.

Cabrera, formerly of the Arizona Diamondbacks, hit a solo homer in the eighth inning of the Seibu Lions' 4-1 loss to the Kintetsu Buffaloes. Seibu has five games remaining.

Cabrera, who had not homered in 20 at-bats, followed the high, arching shot, then nodded decisively as the ball disappeared into the left field stands.

"I feel so happy," Cabrera said. "I'll try the record, and I'll break it for all fans."

Oh, manager of the Daiei Hawks, set the single-season record while playing for the Yomiuri Giants of the Central League. Oh's Hawks face the Seibu Lions on Thursday.

Cabrera, playing his second season in Japan, had 49 homers last season.

The 31-year-old Cabrera also has a chance to win the Pacific League's triple crown. He leads the league with 55 homers and 115 RBIs, and his .337 average is second to the .338 of Nippon Ham Fighters' Michihiro Ogasawara.

Cabrera hit five homers in 31 games for the Diamondbacks in 2000, his only season in the major leagues.

 

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