Left-hander Kei Igawa worked eight strong innings Wednesday as the Hanshin Tigers defeated the Yomiuri Giants 6-2 at Koshien Stadium.
Igawa improved to 3-3 on the season after striking out nine and giving up one run on six hits over eight innings.
Jeff Williams retired the side in the ninth as the Tigers beat the Giants for the second straight night and opened up a two-game lead in the Central League standings.