Atsushi Fujii scored from third on a throwing error by Craig Brazell in the ninth inning, giving the front-running Chunichi Dragons a 1-0 walk-off victory over the Hanshin Tigers on Wednesday night.
Brazell's throw to the plate sailed high after the first baseman fielded a bases-loaded grounder by pinch-hitter Takehiro Donoue with one out in the ninth at Nagoya Dome.
If the Dragons beat the Tigers again on Thursday, they will have a magic number of two or three for clinching the Central League title depending on the Yomiuri Giants' result.
"I know he (Kyuji Fujikawa) throws really, really hard, but I didn't care. I just tried to stay aggressive," Donoue said. "I prayed to God as I ran to first base. I'm glad we got a win in this must-win situation."