Second-year right-hander Takahiro Norimoto sparkled in an interleague rematch of last year's Japan Series combatants, throwing a three-hitter as the Tohoku Rakuten Eagles defeated the Yomiuri Giants 4-0 on Wednesday.
Norimoto (6-3) held the hosts hitless at Tokyo Dome for 5⅔ innings before Daisuke Nakai singled in the sixth with the Giants already trailing by four. Norimoto walked one and struck out seven.
"At the start of the game, I thought I had a chance to do well tonight," said Norimoto. "I wasn't thinking too much about throwing a no-hitter. I'm glad I could stop them after that."