Hideki Irabu went the distance Thursday as the Central League-leading Hanshin Tigers edged the Yokohama BayStars 2-1 at Koshien Stadium.
Irabu, formerly of the New York Yankees, improved to 6-1 after holding the BayStars to one run on five hits while striking out 13. It was Irabu's second complete-game victory of the season.
With the victory, the Tigers won their fourth straight and took an eight-game lead over the idle Yomiuri Giants in the standings.