Yuki Saito allowed a run in five impressive innings on Monday and earned the win as the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters wrapped up the Pacific League's final playoff spot by beating the Seibu Lions 4-1.
Saito (2-1) allowed two hits and two walks, while striking out four as he earned his first win since July 31. The former high school heartthrob, whose career has been more fizzle than sizzle since he was drafted first by the Fighters in 2010 out of Waseda University, improved his career record to 13-16 over four seasons.
"This was the best I've been this season," Saito told the crowd at Sapporo Dome. "In my last win, I turned the game over to the relievers. I trust them."