On the 31st, Orix Buffaloes manager Mamoru Kishida (44) stated that overcoming "Hawk allergy" is an absolute requirement for regaining dominance. In 2013, when the team finished third, they had 7 wins, 16 losses, and 2 draws against Softbank Hawks, the only team to have a losing record in the Pacific League. From September 13th of 2012 through the new year, they suffered 12 straight losses (with 2 draws in between), allowing Softbank Hawks to win the championship by a 13.5 game margin. "We're going to go out there and defeat everyone (other teams). We don't want to be left behind," he said, showing his determination.

"The balance (between pitching and batting) is at a high level." They gave up four wins to Arihara (who transferred to Nippon-Ham in 2014), who they have had trouble with in the past, and three wins to Uesawa. Defeating left-handed pitchers like Moinelo and Ozeki is no easy feat, but the four-game series at Mizuho PayPay, starting on September 20th, showed they could see how to win. A total of 16 relief pitchers put in a great performance, and they managed to hold on to their four consecutive wins by just one point each. If they can establish a game plan from the start of the season that allows them to hold on to a low score, revenge is possible.

"We aim to beat all the teams," he said, aiming for a perfect victory for the first time in 23 years. Beyond the bitter "double payback" lies a joyous autumn. (Nambu Shunta)