Shinsaburo Tawata bounced back from his worst start of the season with a six-hit shutout as the Pacific League-leading Seibu Lions beat the Orix Buffaloes 7-0 on Saturday.
Coming off his first loss of the season, Tawata (7-1) struck out five and walked one but needed to pitch out of a ninth-inning jam to preserve the whitewash and notch his seventh win.
"I left the mound early in my last game, so today I wanted more than ever to do it all myself," said Tawata, who matched his career high in wins. "It's a long season, and I have just braced myself for the long haul."