Hirotoshi Takanashi worked his way out of three jams to pitch the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters to a 4-1 victory over the Orix Buffaloes on Wednesday at Sapporo Dome.
Takanashi (1-1) needed just 91 pitches to complete a six-hitter. The right-hander walked none but hit a batter, while striking out three. He pitched out of tight spots in the fourth and fifth innings and didn't allow a run until the eighth, after his teammates had given him a 2-0 lead.
"Nashi has been pitching quite well, but hadn't gotten a win," catcher Yushi Shimizu said. "He came out with even more spirit than usual today."