Yakult rallied for five runs in the top of the ninth to take the lead and closer Shingo Takatsu worked the ninth to notch his 230th career save and set the Japan record as the Swallows beat the Yomiuri Giants 8-6 at Tokyo Dome.

Trailing the Giants 6-3, Noriyuki Shiroishi sparked a five-run burst with an RBI single off Yomiuri closer Junichi Kawahara (0-1) with one out and the bases loaded.

Takatsu gave up one hit and walked one in the ninth but held on to earn his fourth save of the year.