The Hanshin Tigers gave notice Saturday night that their preseason surge was no fluke.
Newly-acquired first baseman George Arias belted a two-run homer and left-handed starter Kei Igawa went the distance as the Tigers beat the Yomiuri Giants 3-1 at the Tokyo Dome to open the 2002 season.
It was the first time the Tigers, who finished in the league cellar the last four seasons, had won an Opening Day game in 12 years. Last year, the Tigers opened the season with a 17-3 loss to the Giants.