OSAKA -- At Koshien Stadium, Norihiro Akahoshi connected for a "sayonara" triple off Junichi Kawahara with two out and runners on the corners in the 10th inning to lift the Hanshin Tigers over the Yomiuri Giants 5-4 after Makoto Imaoka hit a game-tying double in the ninth to force an extra inning.

Hiroki Kokubo hit a pair of homers and Daisuke Motoki led off the top of the 10th with a pinch-hit solo shot to put Yomiuri ahead 4-3, only to see Kawahara (0-1) blow the save.

Carp 19, Swallows 2