Randy Messenger held the Seibu Lions to a run over seven innings for his first win in a month as the Hanshin Tigers claimed a 5-1 triumph on Saturday in interleague action.
With his team leading 4-0, Messenger (5-4), who last won on May 5 before suffering three losses, gave up three singles in his final inning and surrendered his only run. He gave up six hits and two walks while fanning 10 before 45,025 at Koshien Stadium.
"I feel great. (Today I could) keep them off balance, mixing everything in," said Messenger, who threw 122 pitches." That was the most important thing and the team gave me a lead early. (I) just fed off of that."