Shun Yamaguchi struck out 12 batters over eight innings, doubled and scored the winning run for the Yomiuri Giants in their 8-4 victory over the Yokohama BayStars on Friday.
The right-hander allowed two runs on two hits and three walks to improve to 9-2. With the score tied 2-2 in the sixth inning, Yamaguchi was sent to the plate as the leadoff hitter. He slammed the first pitch from Shota Imanaga off the wall in left for a double at Tokyo Dome.
On the ensuing sacrifice, Yamaguchi fell down between second and third, but the BayStars were not paying attention and went for the out at first — which they failed to get.