Randy Messenger, making his second start since returning from the minors, worked eight innings and the Hanshin Tigers beat the Pacific League-leading Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters 1-0 in interleague play on Saturday.

Messenger (4-5), has now worked 15 scoreless innings since returning to the rotation on May 29. The right-hander allowed two hits and two walks, while striking out eight to hand Fighters ace Shohei Otani his first loss of the season.

"(My job was to) just come out and do my job, go as deep in the game as possible and give us a chance to win," Messenger said. "I had great defense behind me."