Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters rookie Yuki Saito threw five shutout innings in a 1-0 victory over the Seibu Lions on Sunday afternoon.
Saito (3-2) allowed four hits, struck out five and walked three en route to his first win since April 24, lifting his team into first place in the Pacific League.
"I was out so long with that injury, so this win today makes me really happy," said Saito, referring to a strained oblique muscle that sidelined him early in the season.