Akihiro Yano's bases-loaded two-run double touched off a seven-hit attack in an eight-run fourth inning as the Central League-leading Hanshin Tigers crushed the Yomiuri Giants 14-1 on Friday, reducing their magic number for clinching the league pennant to 47 at Koshien Stadium.
Keiichi Yabu (7-2) hurled a 4-hitter over eight innings, striking out one and walking just two. Masahiro Sakumoto worked the ninth.
Hanshin quickly added two more runs in the fourth on Atsushi Fujimoto's single to center. Yabu then singled to put runners on first and third with Norihiro Akahoshi following with a single to give the home side its fifth run.
Tomoaki Kanemoto blasted a three-run homer off Yomiuri starter Kimiyasu Kudo to cap the inning, sending Kudo to the showers.