The monthly MVP awards for batting and pitching, were announced Wednesday, with Chunichi Dragons outfielder Yuki Okabayashi and Yomiuri Giants pitcher Iori Yamasaki honored in the Central League, while Rakuten Eagles second baseman Hideto Asamura and Seibu Lions right-hander in the Pacific League. The worst choice of the bunch was not the worst we’ve ever seen from these awards, but it was in the ballpark.

Jeremy Beasley had a solid night for Hanshin in a duel with Yomiuri’s Foster Griffin, while Elvin Rodriguez won his Japan debut with some big run support from a rookie, who became the third player in either league whose first pro hit was a grand slam.

There were supposed to be six games Wednesday, but SoftBank pulled the plug on its home game with Rakuten due to an approaching typhoon for Fukuoka Dome’s first rainout in 16 years.

Wednesday’s games

Buffaloes 8, Marines 3: At Chiba Marine Stadium, Hiroya Miyagi (7-4) allowed three runs over 6-2/3 innings. He left the mound with two outs and two on, leading 7-1.

Keita Nakagawa doubled in rookie Tokumasa Chano to break the ice in the third against Manabu Mima (1-6). Toshiya Noguchi led off the third with a single, and did the same in the fifth. He scored on a single by Nakagawa, who went to second on the throw and scored on a Tomoya Mori single.

Noguchi walked to open the Buffaloes’ seventh and scored on a Ryo Ota home run. Chano followed with a single and scored on Nakagawa’s fourth hit, his 10th home run. Nakagawa drew a ninth-inning leadoff walk and scored.