NISHINOMIYA, Hyogo Pref. — The ball was working its way out of Hayato Sakamoto's glove in the eighth inning as a bases-loaded jam was about to turn into a full-on disaster.
Sakamoto didn't let it slip away, and neither did the Yomiuri Giants.
Sakamoto homered, Michihiro Ogasawara drove in a pair of runs and the Yomiuri bullpen held on late as the Giants edged the Hanshin Tigers 3-1 in Game 1 of the first stage of the Central League Climax Series on Saturday at Koshien Stadium.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.