◆ Pacific League: Lotte 3-2 Orix Buffaloes (17th, ZOZO Marine Stadium)

Orix Buffaloes manager Mamoru Kishida (45) chose his words carefully, as if trying to reassure his teammates. "There are times like that. We're doing better compared to yesterday and the day before." The team suffered its first four-game losing streak of the season, losing the top spot they had held since April 19th. Although they managed 11 hit, including a solo home run by cleanup hitter Ota, his first in a month, it wasn't quite enough.

This was the second time they'd suffered three straight losses against the same opponent. "I wanted to somehow hold on..." said starting pitcher Soya, his shoulders slumped. In the sixth inning, he gave up a go-ahead three-run homer to Soto. He was heartbroken by the home run with two outs, resulting in his third loss. He had fulfilled his role as a starter, giving up three runs in six innings with 88 pitches, so the manager frowned and said, "It was just that one home run..."

Among the starting pitchers, Yamashita underwent ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery on his right elbow in the United States. Ace pitcher Miyagi, who has already traveled to the US, will also undergo surgery on his left elbow in the near future. The team has a record of 1 win and 6 losses in the last 7 games, but still has a positive win-loss record of 5 games. Manager Kishida desperately tried to look ahead, saying, "We just have to persevere and take it one game at a time."