Yasushi Iihara had a tiebreaking pinch-hit double in a four-run uprising in the eighth inning as the Tokyo Yakult Swallows ran away late to beat the Hanshin Tigers 5-2 on Saturday night.

Ryohei Kiya allowed a run over seven innings in front of a crowd of 30,435 at Jingu Stadium.

The Swallows had a golden chance to score in the third off Tigers starter Atsushi Nomi, but he escaped the jam, thanks to a fine defensive play from right fielder Kosuke Fukudome as well as some nifty craftsmanship in threading the needle himself.