Left-hander Shogo Yamamoto carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning and catcher Takeshi Hosoyamada delivered a two-run single as the Yokohama BayStars defeated the Hanshin Tigers 3-1 on Friday night.
Yamamoto (2-2), who was traded from the Orix Buffaloes in the offseason, issued two walks, three hits and struck out four over eight innings in the first night game of the season at Yokohama Stadium.
"I have been struggling in games as of late, so I was hoping to pitch a strong game. I have to take responsibility as the starter," said Yamamoto, who improved to 3-0 in five games against Hanshin.