Mauro Gomez's tie-breaking two-run home run off closer Scott Mathieson in the 10th inning propelled the Hanshin Tigers to a 5-4 win over the Central League-leading Yomiuri Giants on Wednesday evening.
Gomez's 21st homer of the year, off a high 0-1 fastball before 44,904 at Tokyo Dome, broke a 3-3 deadlock that had stood since the Tigers overcame a three-run lead to tie it in the eighth.
"I know he has a good fastball, and I made an adjustment," said Gomez, who took his time getting down the first-base line to watch his towering shot. "I felt relaxed the whole game. Sometimes when I'm not, (my swing) gets too big, but today I was able stay relaxed and get a pitch up in the strike zone."