Kazuki Yoshimi pitched a three-hit shutout as the Chunichi Dragons completed a four-game sweep of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows with a 2-0 win Thursday, cutting their magic number for clinching a second straight Central League title to two.
Yoshimi (17-3) joined Yomiuri Giants left-hander Tetsuya Utsumi as the only 17-game winners in the league after limiting the Swallows to three singles without a walk at Nagoya Dome.
"I wanted to go the distance to give relief pitchers a day of rest, so I'm glad I threw a complete-game shutout," the right-hander said. "We had the momentum against them, so I didn't feel extra pressure going into tonight's game. I hope the team can celebrate the title victory tomorrow."