Hanshin right-hander Hideki Irabu held Yakult scoreless over seven innings, striking out 10 batters for the win as the Central League-leading Tigers defeated the Swallows 4-1 at Koshiien Stadium on Tuesday, lowering their magic number to 39.
Irabu (10-2) gave up six hits and walked four.
Makoto Imaoka smashed a solo homer to lead off the third inning off Yakult starter Hideki Sato (4-4). The Tigers then loaded the bases before George Arias singled home two runs for a 3-0 lead.