Wladimir Balentien got back into the chase for Japan's single-season home run record and rookie Yasuhiro Ogawa (13-4) took over the Central League lead in wins as the Yakult Swallows defeated the Chunichi Dragons 5-1.

Balentien singled in the opening run in the fourth inning and hit his 53rd home run, a solo shot to lead off the sixth. He is now two away from Japan's record of 55 with 24 games left to play. Balentien went 3-for-5 to raise his CL-leading batting average to .341. He is second in the league with 114 RBIs.

After hitting a record 18 home runs in August, the blast was Balentien's first in five games this month.