Randy Messenger threw two-run ball over seven innings and was buoyed by Keiichi Hirano's three-run homer as the Hanshin Tigers defeated the rival Yomiuri Giants 8-4 to move back into first place in the Central League standings on Wednesday.

Messenger (3-1) scattered 10 hits, struck out six and walked one at Tokyo Dome. He had a hit in the second inning that was initially ruled a home run but ended up a double after his fly ball was judged to have hit the top of the fence in left-center after review of the video replays.

Hirano went 3-for-4 with four RBIs, including his drive to right-center that extended the lead to 8-1 in the sixth.