The Central League-leading Tokyo Yakult Swallows failed to get off the ground in their start to the second half of the season, going down 6-3 to the Hiroshima Carp on Tuesday.
Hiroshima's Giancarlo Alvarado (1-3) pitched five solid innings for his first win of the season, limiting Yakult to one earned run on six hits and a pair of walks on a forgettable night for the Swallows at Jingu Stadium.
Dennis Sarfate collected his CL-best 23rd save by pitching a scoreless ninth.