Despite some thorns, the story kept getting rosier for Hanshin Tigers right-hander Randy Messenger.
Messenger played heroic offense and daredevil defense, leading the way over six innings as the Hanshin Tigers started a three-game series with a 4-3 win over the Central League front-running Yomiuri Giants on Tuesday night in Tokyo.
With the victory, the Tigers, who are on the road until returning to Koshien Stadium on Aug. 29, moved within a half game of their CL rivals, improving to 26-25 away from home.