Kenshin Kawakami came within one out of a complete-game Friday as the Chunichi Dragons downed the Yomiuri Giants 5-2 to move into sole possession of first place in the Central League standings.

News photoBayStars center fielder Hitoshi Tamura makes a sliding catch during Friday's game against the Hanshin Tigers at Yokohama Stadium. The BayStars won 3-1.

Kawakami held the Giants to two runs on six hits at Nagoya Dome. He retired the first two batters in the ninth before being taken out in favor of closer Hitoki Iwase, who retired pinch-hitter Akira Eto for his seventh save of the season.