Hiroki Kokubo went 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs, leading the Yomiuri Giants to a 3-1 victory over the front-running Chunichi Dragons in the Central League on Thursday.
Kokubo hit an RBI grounder in the first inning that led to an error by Chunichi starter Domingo Guzman, singled home a run in the third and connected for a solo blast in the ninth to cap the scoring at Nagoya Dome.
Hiroshi Kisanuki (7-7) pitched a five-hitter in six shutout innings with six strikeouts and three walks. Guzman (7-4) took the loss for Chunichi.
Swallows 4, Carp 3