◆ Pacific League Nippon-Ham 3-0 Orix Buffaloes (3rd, ES CON FIELD)

Orix Buffaloes suffered their fourth shutout game loss of the season, extending their record to five losses in six games at ES CON FIELD. Their offense managed only three scattered hit against Nippon-Ham 's starting pitcher, Kitayama, handing him shutout game win. Manager Mamoru Kishida admitted defeat, saying, "We knew he was using a lot of breaking ball, but... he completely closer."

Starting pitcher Kuri pitched a strong game, giving up 3 runs (2 earned) in 6 innings, but still suffered his third loss. Regarding the right-hander, who runs in the first inning for the fourth consecutive game, the manager said, "He got a little rough at the start. But in the end, he gave up 3 runs in 6 innings and he persevered. We just couldn't give him much run support today."

The team traveled by air that day and will play a three-game series against Lotte at their home stadium, Kyocera Dome Osaka, starting on the 4th. They maintain their lead in first place, 1.5 games ahead of second-place Softbank Hawks, and manager Kishida looked ahead, saying, "We'll do our best again tomorrow."