It took getting ahead for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows to get even.

News photo Norichika Aoki of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows belts a grand slam during the fourth inning of Friday's game off Hiroshima Carp starter Mike Romano at Jingu Stadium. KYODO PHOTO

Norichika Aoki hit a grand slam in a seven-run fourth inning as the Swallows roughed up Hiroshima Carp starter Mike Romano and held on for an 8-5 win Friday at Jingu Stadium, drawing the victors back to .500 for the season.