Atsushi Fujii singled in two runs in a four-run first inning, Chen Wei-yin pitched 6 2/3 shutout frames and the Chunichi Dragons beat the Yomiuri Giants 5-0 in Game 1 of the final stage of the Central League Climax Series on Wednesday.
The Dragons, who had been awarded a one-win advantage as the league champions, took a 2-0 lead in the series. The first team to four wins advances to the Japan Series beginning Oct. 30 against the Chiba Lotte Marines.
It looked as if the game was over after the first inning. Chunichi jumped out to a 4-0 lead after Chen pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the frame.