Yuhei Takai went 4-for-5 with an RBI single and a three-run home run on Saturday to power the Tokyo Yakult Swallows to a 10-4 win over the Yomiuri Giants and a two-game Central League lead.
"To be honest, I didn't hit for a long time, and was a burden on the team," Takai said. "But through all that the manager and coaches stuck with me."
Before 31,876 at Jingu Stadium, Takai tied the game 1-1 in the bottom of the second, when he singled Wladimir Balentien home from second against Giants starter Kan Otake (3-4).