Eddy Diaz homered twice Thursday to lead Hiroshima's 10-hit attack as the Carp defeated the Central League front-running Yakult Swallows 7-4 for their fifth straight victory.
The Venezuelan infielder connected off Yakult southpaw Futoshi Yamabe (2-2) in the first inning and then hit his second of the night in the sixth for home run No. 25 to widen Hiroshima's lead after Kenjiro Nomura doubled to break a 4-4 tie in the fifth.
"I was able to relax today. I have more responsibility as the third batter in the lineup now, but I'm happy and in good condition. We're playing well as a team," Diaz said.
Hiroshima starter Ken Takahashi (8-6) earned the win despite giving up four runs on four hits and four walks in six innings. Shinji Sasaoka got his seventh save with a perfect ninth.
Yamabe lasted just 41/3 innings and took the loss after giving up five runs on six hits.
With the victory at Jingu Stadium, Hiroshima returned to .500 for the first time since July 14.
Yakult's magic number to clinch the league pennant remains 17.
There were no other games played Thursday in Japanese professional baseball.