◆ Pacific League Orix Buffaloes 5-4 Rakuten Eagles (29th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes manager Mamoru Kishida secured a series win for the second consecutive year since taking charge. On this day, he pulled starting pitcher Tajima after he gave up two runs in the first inning, and opted for a relief pitching rotation from the second inning onwards. An eight-man relay secured the win against Rakuten Eagles. On the 28th, Kuri pitched a complete win shutout game, and Kishida expressed his gratitude for being able to use his relief pitchers, saying, "I think that's really important." He also didn't forget to offer support to Tajima.

Originally, the third game of mound season was scheduled to be pitched by new foreign player Jerry. However, he was given priority for conditioning and a replacement was hastily found. "Tajima was also in the minor leagues and needed to pitch a bit more. It was a combination of nervousness and the need for proper adjustment. I think we put him through a bit of trouble," he emphasized. "Everyone showed their abilities in a tense situation. It was wonderful," he said, praising everyone's efforts.