Yuhei Takai did the job with his bat and glove in support of ace Masanori Ishikawa as the Yakult Swallows beat the Yomiuri Giants 2-1 on Sunday to move within three wins of the Central League pennant.
Takai lined a leadoff single in the top of the fifth and scored on a single by Ishikawa, and with the Swallows leading 2-0 in the bottom of the fifth, saved the game with a spectacular catch.
Ishikawa (13-9) allowed a run on three hits and two walks over five innings. The lefty posted his fifth win of the month as Yakult pushes toward its first pennant since 2001.