◆ Nomura: "This will further enhance his concentration when he steps up to the plate and his determination for each pitch."

On the 20th, Orix Buffaloes secured a decisive 8-3 victory against Softbank Hawks, reclaiming the top spot in Pacific League League. Yuma Mune, who started at third base and batted fifth, had a stellar performance with two hit and two RBI.

So had been batting first until the 14th and had gone hit in 24 at-bats, but has been hit five consecutive games since batting order change on the 15th. On the 20th, Fuji TV ONE's "Pro baseball News 2026" MC Takagi Yutaka said, "He's been batting fifth since yesterday, and it seems that this player performs better when given a sense of responsibility. I feel that he would definitely perform better if he were placed higher in the lineup rather than lower in it." Commentator Nomura Hiroki added, "Also, simply put, he looks better when batting higher or in the middle of the lineup. I don't know if it's a sense of responsibility, but I feel that he is the kind of player who shows even more concentration when he steps up to the plate and more determination for each pitch."

Another commentator, Toshiaki Imaie, analyzed based on his experience playing against him, saying, "He has the ability to make a decisive swing in crucial moments. So I think the opposing team will be even more likely to try to make a decisive swing when they're in a pinch. He takes a big swing and steps in firmly, so there's a certain fear in him." Takagi added, "When Mune hits, Orix Buffaloes will rise again," expressing his hopes that he will be a catalyst for their success.

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"