Morneau's blast breaks ice for MLB squad in loss

Rockies slugger Justin Morneau helped break an 11-inning scoreless streak for the MLB All-Stars with his first hit of the Japan All-Star Series on Friday, a long two-run home run.

It remains the first baseman's only hit of the trip -- spanning an exhibition and two Series games -- but helped get the MLB All-Stars on the board against Japanese starter Chihiro Kaneko. The MLB team went on to lose, 8-4, to drop to 0-2 in the Series.

Morneau, who has started at first base in each of the MLB All-Stars' three games on the tour, finished the day 1-for-4.

Video: Morneau gives props to Samurai Japan pitching staff

His homer came on a full-count pitch with Rays third baseman Evan Longoria on first.

The two teams will meet again for the third game of the Series on Saturday, when Jeremy Guthrie takes on 23-year-old Japanese starter Takahiro Norimoto. The game will be broadcast live at 2 a.m. MT on MLB Network and MLB.TV, then re-aired at 7 p.m. on MLB Network.

Upcoming Japan All-Star Series schedule
• Game No. 1: Japan 2, MLB 0
• Game No. 2: Japan 8, MLB 4
• Saturday: Game No. 3 at Tokyo Dome, Tokyo (6 p.m. JT/4 a.m. ET)
• Sunday: Game No. 4 at Tokyo Dome, Tokyo (6 p.m. JT/4 a.m. ET)
• Monday: Travel day
• Tuesday, Nov. 18: Game No. 5 at Sapporo Dome, Sapporo (7 p.m. JT/5 a.m. ET)
• Wednesday, Nov. 19: Travel day
• Thursday, Nov. 20: Exhibition game vs. Samurai Japan, Okinawa Cellular Stadium, Okinawa (6 p.m. JT/4 a.m. ET)