The Tokyo Yakult Swallows came out on top in their season series against the Yomiuri Giants this year. Now they're halfway to a triumph that may be even more satisfying.

Kyohei Muranaka delivered a solid performance out of the bullpen, Shinya Miyamoto drove in a tiebreaking run in the sixth inning, and the Swallows edged the Giants 3-2 in Game 1 of the first stage of the Central League Climax Series on Saturday night at Jingu Stadium.

The Swallows are now one win away from knocking their crosstown rivals out of the postseason and moving on to face the CL champion Chunichi Dragons in the final stage.

"We're only halfway there," Miyamoto said. "We have to win one more against a tough Giants team to make it to the final stage, but I think we can do it tommorow."

Muranaka (1-0) entered the game in the sixth after the Swallows pinch-hit for starter Shohei Tateyama. The left-hander came through with 3⅔ innings of relief to earn the win. Muranaka gave up one run on two hits and struck out three.