Hirotoshi Takanashi continued his strong run as a starter with seven scoreless innings on Friday as the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters beat the Pacific League-leading Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks 5-2, extending their winning streak to eight games.

Takanashi (4-2) has allowed one unearned run over 18 innings since being inserted into the starting rotation on June 8. The right-hander allowed five hits and no walks, while striking out 11 before 38,389 at Yafuoku Dome.

"The fact that I didn't walk anyone was good," said Takanashi, who began the season in the bullpen. "I had confidence in all my pitches tonight and could command them all well. Because of that, I could get those strikeouts.