Randy Messenger threw eight scoreless innings and Oh Seung-hwan saved his 22nd game as the Hanshin Tigers defeated Chunichi Dragons 2-0 to wrap up the first half of the season heading into the All-Star break on Wednesday night.
Messenger (8-7) scattered three hits, all singles, struck out 13 and walked two batters. He made the Dragons miss swinging 11 times, taking full advantage of a devastating breaking ball. The second-place Tigers took the rubber in the three-game set to enter Friday's All-Star series on a high note.
"I mixed it up with my curveball and forkball to keep them off-balance," Messenger said. "(Rookie catcher Ryutaro) Umeno and I were on a good pace. Anytime you can win and have the team score for you, you want to give it your best and not give up the lead. We want to keep it up and see if we can get a championship out of it."