Makoto Imaoka hit a grand slam Thursday and Shinjiro Hiyama followed with a solo blast as the Central League-leading Hanshin Tigers broke open a big lead in the opening frame en route to a 7-1 win over the Yomiuri Giants at Tokyo Dome.

News photoHanshin Tigers starter Tsuyoshi Shimoyanagi delivers a pitch against the Yomiuri Giants at Tokyo Dome on Thursday. Shimoyanagi earned his 12th victory of the season in the Tigers' 7-1 win.

The Tiger won their sixth game in a row and guaranteed a winning record for the third straight year against the Giants.