◆パ・リーグ　オリックス３―１西武（１５日・京セラドーム大阪）

Orix Buffaloes pitcher Ren Mukunoki recorded his first save in his fifth year as a professional. He was entrusted with the ninth inning as a "substitute" for Machado, who was left out of the lineup to prioritize his conditioning, and closed out the game runs with a two-run lead. "It was really one of my goals. Getting a save so early in the season has given me a lot of confidence. It made me want to pitch more," he said, expressing his desire to become a closer.

He joined the team as the first overall pick in the 2021 draft, having graduated from Tohoku Fukushi University, the same university as manager Mamoru Kishida. He was mainly expected to be a starting pitcher, but in 2025 he ended up win. In his last start, against Nippon-Ham Fighters on August 3rd (Kyocera Dome Osaka), he was knocked out in the middle of the fourth inning after giving up seven runs. "I had to change something about myself," he said, and the next day he shaved his head to a 9mm buzz cut, and he has maintained that short hairstyle ever since.

"What I regret most is that the players who were first-round draft picks before and after me were selected for Samurai Japan and are producing results," said the right-hander, who has been mindful of players like Miyagi (1st pick in 2019) and Soya (1st pick in 2022). He has emerged as a relief pitcher after volunteering, and his fastball spin rate, which is considered 2400 for top-class pitchers, sometimes reaches 2700. The team has also won a series for the first time in two series, and their lead is tied for the highest of the season at 2. "I want to give it my all," he said, showing his determination to play a full role in the winning pattern.