The third game between Fukuoka Softbank and Orix Buffaloes will be held at MIZUHO PayPay Dome on April 19th at 1:00 PM.

[Head-to-head record] Fukuoka Softbank (1st place) vs. Orix Buffaloes (3rd place): 1 win, 1 loss

[Announced Starting Pitcher]
Fukuoka Softbank: pitcher Haru Matsumoto, 3 games, 2 wins, 0 losses, ERA 4.60
Orix Buffaloes: pitcher Jerry has a record of 0 wins and 1 loss in 2 games, ERA of 2.25.

Fukuoka Softbank 's starting pitcher Haru Matsumoto. In his last start against Hokkaido Nippon-Ham he gave up 8 hit and 5 runs in less than 3 innings, a disappointing performance, but he avoided the loss thanks to the offense's strong performance. Can he pitch a solid game this time and earn his third win, tying him for the league lead? Offensively, Yuki Yanagita has recorded multiple hit for the second consecutive game.

In stark contrast to the first game of the series, Orix Buffaloes offense managed only one hit the previous day. Ryoma Nishikawa, who recorded the only hit is currently on a five-game hit. He is showing consistent hitting, with a batting average of .307, just like last season. Along with Haruto Watanabe who is in good form with a batting average of .524, they will be looking to support pitcher Jerry as he aims for his first win in Japan.

Written by Kai Nagi Niwa