Hanshin Tigers starter Atsushi Nomi threw one-run ball over six innings and was gifted three first-inning runs in a 4-2 win over the Yomiuri Giants on Wednesday.
The Tigers loaded the bases with two outs in the first against Giants lefty Aaron Poreda (6-5), whose first-pitch fastball to Ryota Arai missed over the plate and was driven to center. Giants center fielder Soichiro Tateoka misread the low drive, and started in — only to see it fly over his head for a three-run double.
The win left Hanshin tied for first place in the Central League with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows at .500, while the Giants fell a game back into third place.