The Central League-leading Yomiuri Giants overpowered the Chunichi Dragons 6-1 on Thursday, with Kazuma Okamoto driving in the go-ahead run as part of a five-run rally in the eighth.
Yomiuri starter Cristopher Mercedes (2-2) got the win after throwing seven innings of one-run ball. The southpaw from the Dominican Republic left the game with the scores tied after striking out eight, while allowing six hits and a walk.
Chunichi reliever Hiroto Fuku (1-1) took the loss after coming in as third reliever following a five-inning start from Yuichiro Okano.