Hisayoshi Chono and Hayato Sakamoto both had three hits, Toshiya Sugiuchi allowed two runs over 5-2/3 innings, and the Yomiuri Giants routed the Tokyo Yakult Swallows 8-2 on Friday night.
Sugiuchi (11-2), making his first start since Aug. 16 after returning from an injured left shoulder, allowed just one earned run, scattered six hits, struck out five and walked one at Jingu Stadium.
His command not entirely back, Sugiuchi got a little help from his batterymate and captain Shinnosuke Abe, who threw out a runner trying to steal second to end the fourth.