◆ Pacific League Seibu Lions 0-4 Orix Buffaloes (August 1st, Belluna Dome)

Orix Buffaloes 's Espinoza celebrated his first win as a father. "Kenzo brought me good fortune. He was definitely a source of power." His first child, a son, born on February 25th, was born to him and his partner. He threw 110 pitches, allowing only 5 hit strike out 7, securing his first complete game shutout game win in his 46th NPB game.

He cherishes his son so much that he said, "I cried the first time I saw him." Before taking the mound, he promised him via video call, "I'll pitch well!" This was the first shutout by a foreign player for the team since Dixon in 2018. "They woke up early in the morning to watch the game over there (in the US). I want to tell them, 'I pitched for him and her,'" he said with a smile.

"Hello everyone, this is SP. Thanks for your support today. Orix Buffaloes fans are the best!" The foreign player, who showed off his sharp Japanese on the victory platform, brought the team a one-game lead. His next goal is no hitter. The prospects for the right-handed pitcher in his third year in Japan are incredibly bright. (Shunta Nanbu)