[Orix Buffaloes] Manager Mamoru Kishida, who shutout game to his arch rival, the SoftBank Hawks, said, "They're still strong. We're not going to lose either..." What does new foreign player Seymour think? | Pacific League

[Orix Buffaloes] Manager Mamoru Kishida, who suffered shutout game loss to their arch-rivals SoftBank, said, "They're still strong. We won't be outdone..." What is his assessment of new import player Seymour?

Sports Hochi

March 8, 2026 16:43

Orix Buffaloes 's new foreign player, Seymour, has yet to make a significant impact in the preseason games (Photo by Haruko Yoshimura)

◆Pre-season game Orix Buffaloes 0-1 Softbank Hawks (8th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes manager Mamoru Kishida was reminded of Softbank Hawks 's true strength. In 2013, they started the season with a loss against their arch rivals, who had a record of 7 wins, 16 losses, and 2 draws. Accepting shutout game loss, he looked ahead, saying, "They're still strong, but we want to keep trying."

New foreign player Seymour hit in 12 consecutive at-bats since the start of the exhibition games. "I won't really know until I get up there (at the plate). I don't think I'll know until I get up there," he said, revealing that he is still in the adjustment stage.