◆ Pacific League 2-0 Orix Buffaloes (16th, ZOZO Marine Stadium)

Orix Buffaloes suffered their eighth shutout game loss of the season, the most in both leagues, and their second three-game losing streak of the season. They lost five of their last six games, four of which were scoreless. With three consecutive series wins, they are facing a critical juncture early in the season.

In the first inning, the team created bases loaded chances with two outs, and in each of the last four innings, the attack advanced runner into scoring position. Manager Kishida commented, "It's not easy to get one more run.... The momentum is slowing down a bit, but everyone is working hard. We just have to be patient and keep working at it.

As the manager predicted, the team recorded seven hit that day, with Nishikawa and Kurebayashi each getting multiple hit. They are currently six games ahead of the leader, and the manager looked ahead, saying, "Everyone is doing what they can and what they need to do. Now is the time to be patient. This is just the beginning."