Without hesitation, the Swallows sent their Giants killer to the mound for Saturday's postseason series opener, but it did not work out the way they had hoped.

Instead, the Giants who came through, scoring key late runs and relying on solid pitching in their 4-1 win over Tokyo Yakult in Game 1 of the Central League Climax Series first stage at Jingu Stadium on Saturday night.

As a result, third-seeded Yomiuri needs one more one victory to advance to the final round against the league champion Hiroshima Carp.