Lefty Ryosuke Yagi allowed a run in seven innings and got plenty of run support as the Tokyo Yakult Swallows crushed the Hanshin Tigers 13-1 on Monday evening.
Yagi (1-1) scattered seven hits and two walks, while striking out three, and teammates Takahiro Araki and Yuhei Takai each hit a pair of home runs before the home fans at Jingu Stadium. The Swallows were without home run king Wladimir Balentien, who was sidelined by a slight groin injury.
"When you're without your cleanup hitter, each player has to take care of business the way he's capable," Yagi said. " I accomplished that. My fastball was good tonight. That's my bread and butter. I was able to show my breaking pitches and set up the fastball.