Tsuyoshi Ueda had four hits, including a two-run home run to spark the Tokyo Yakult Swallows to a 6-2 win over the Chunichi Dragons that left Yakult one win away from its sixth Central League pennant.
Ueda opened the bottom of the first with a single off Daisuke Yamai (4-12), went to third on Shingo Kawabata's double and scored on a groundout by CL RBI leader Kazuhiro Hatakeyama. Ueda's first homer of the season capped a four-run second inning following RBI doubles by Takahiro Iamanami and Yuhei Nakamura.
A day after nail-biting series at Tokyo Dome with the second-place Yomiuri Giants ended in a 2-1 Yakult win and a magic number of three to win the pennant, the Swallows were loose and relaxed at Jingu Stadium against the struggling Dragons. The Giants' loss to the Hanshin Tigers means a win at home on Tuesday against the Hiroshima Carp will clinch it.