◆ Pacific League Orix Buffaloes: Orix vs. Lotte (8th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes pitcher Hiroya Miyagi is nearing his "perfect form." He will make his third start of the season in the game against Lotte on the 9th (Kyocera Dome Osaka). He has a record of 1 win and 1 loss so far, and has increased his pitch count from 56 to 87. The ace, who has served as the opening day pitcher for three consecutive years since the WBC in March, is steadily getting into shape. "I think I'm in a physical condition to do it, and I want to keep going so I can pitch for as long as possible," he said, setting his sights on clearing 100 pitches.

Last year, he went undefeated against Lotte with two wins in five games. "I've been observing them and thinking they tend to rely on strategy," he said humbly, and added that he intends to focus on careful pitch, "without rushing or forcing it, and taking each game one at a time."