Yakult 3, at Hanshin 2

OSAKA, Japan (Interstat) — In a tense pitchers’ duel that defied pregame projections, the Tokyo Yakult Swallows edged the Hanshin Tigers 3-2 on Wednesday night at Osaka Dome, avenging a lopsided loss from the previous evening and tightening their grip atop the early-season standings. A crowd of 42,571 watched as the Swallows, held in check for much of the night after a first-inning run, broke a 2-2 tie with a decisive two-out rally in the sixth inning, then relied on a parade of relievers to seal the victory. The win improved Yakult’s record to 8-2, while Hanshin fell to 7-4.… Read more...