Alex Ramirez and Hisayoshi Chono hit three-run homers to boost a power-laden offense as the Yomiuri Giants beat the archrival Hanshin Tigers 8-5 to take the rubber in a three-game set on Thursday.
Ramirez had a three-run drive to cap a four-run first inning before Hanshin rallied for four runs in the fourth, featuring a Matt Murton three-run shot to cut the deficit to one at Koshien Stadium.
Rookie outfielder Chono hit a two-out blast to give Yomiuri an 8-4 lead in the fifth. Yomiuri, which moved into a tie for first with Chunichi, has won six of its last seven.