Kris Johnson was rescued by Ryuhei Matsuyama's grand slam and other slugging teammates on Tuesday as the Central League-leading Hiroshima Carp pounded the second-place Yomiuri Giants 14-5.

Hiroshima batters overcame an early four-run deficit at Mazda Stadium to back Johnson, who allowed four earned runs in three innings, while Yomiuri pitchers gave up a combined 13 hits and six walks.

Johnson got into a one-out, bases-loaded jam in the top of the first after allowing two singles and a walk. Yoshiyuki Kamei and Hisayoshi Chono drove in three opening runs and a wild pitch allowed a fourth before the inning ended as Johnson made a full trip through the lineup.