◆ Pacific League: Softbank Hawks vs. Orix Buffaloes (17th, Mizuho PayPay)

Orix Buffaloes pitcher Alen Kuri will start in the game against Softbank Hawks on the 18th (at Mizuho PayPay Dome).

In his second season since transferring from Hiroshima as a free agent, he pitched a complete win shutout game in the second game of the season against Rakuten Eagles (Kyocera Dome Osaka), but has since failed to secure a win in two consecutive games. In his last appearance on the 11th against Rakuten Eagles (Rakuten Eagles Mobile), he gave up six runs in the middle of the fourth inning, suffering his first loss of the season. "I haven't forgotten what happened this past week, and I've been working hard without forgetting that feeling of frustration. I just need to believe in what I've been practicing and go up to mound," he said with determination.

Last season, he started two games against Softbank Hawks, ERA of 2.45. "They have a lot of hitter can hit for power to both the left and right field. I'll talk to catcher between inning, observe hitter' reactions myself, and try to make a good match for them," he said, describing his approach.