Shingo Kawabata's two-out RBI single in the 10th inning lifted the Tokyo Yakult Swallows into sole possession of first place with a 3-2 sayonara victory over the Yomiuri Giants.
The Swallows loaded the bases against Giants closer Hirokazu Sawamura (2-2), and with two outs, Kawabata smacked a first-pitch fastball into center to win it. The two teams started the day tied for the Central League lead.
"The bases were loaded so I was thinking I would absolutely get a first-pitch strike," Kawabata said. "This was the first game of a series between the top clubs, and we need to give it our all after this."