Tokyo lost its fourth in a row to mark its worst start in more than two decades.
Kanemoto's grand slam off of Ishikawa in the top of the 5th inning was enough for Hanshin to come through with the win.
As was often the case last year, the Swallows outhit their opponents but gave up more runs in the end. The two errors coughed up by the home side didn't do any good either.
The most surprising performance came from Tokyo's Tanaka who had a couple of nice plays at second base and went 3 for 5 at the plate. Guiel, for his part, managed to draw three walks.
