Taisuke Yamaoka wasn't able to keep the Seibu Lions in the park, but he did limit them to two runs over six innings as he pitched the Orix Buffaloes to a 4-3 win over the Pacific League leaders on Wednesday.
Yamaoka (3-10) had been working out of the bullpen since the start of August after losing eight-straight decisions as a starter. But given another shot, Yamaoka surrendered five hits and a walk, while striking out three.
The 22-year-old was working on three days' rest after 3⅓ innings of relief on Saturday, and was pulled after throwing 87 pitches. The win was his first since April 22.