Hiroto Takahashi struck out seven while allowing four hits over the distance for the Chunichi Dragons in their 2-0 win over the Central League-leading Hiroshima Carp on Friday.
Takahashi (5-1), who pitched for Japan in last year's World Baseball Classic, walked one batter and needed just 99 pitches to finish off the Carp at Vantelin Dome Nagoya.
The 21-year-old right-hander got all the run support he needed early on RBI singles from Orlando Calixte in the first inning and Christian Rodriguez in the second off Carp lefty Hiroki Tokoda (7-5).
Among other games on Friday, Daichi Suzuki's three-run home run highlighted the Rakuten Eagles' 5-1 win over the Pacific League-leading SoftBank Hawks.
