◆ Pacific League Orix Buffaloes 2-1 Softbank Hawks (19th, Kyocera Dome)

Softbank Hawks 's offense failed to connect, and they have fallen back to fourth place, putting them back in a losing record.

"We're not really creating any real scoring opportunities," said manager Hiroki Kokubo. One of the reasons is the slump of first Hotaka Yamakawa, batting sixth. "It really stands out," the manager said. In the second inning, with no outs and a runner on first, he flied out to left field, and in the seventh inning with no outs and a runner on first, and in the ninth inning with two outs and a runner on third, he RBI struck out. In the last six games, he has 1 hit in 18 At Bat, 4 hit and no Walk. His batting average has fallen to .176, the lowest hitter have reached the required number of plate appearances in the league.

He's been working hard, even sacrificing his day off to practice at Maishima in Osaka on the 18th, but the bat of a four-time Home Run champion just can't seem to find a glimmer of hope.