◆ Pacific League Seibu Lions 4-1 Orix Buffaloes (23rd, Belluna Dome)

Orix Buffaloes 's winning streak came to an end at three. Their winning streak against second-place Seibu Lions also ended at six, bringing them back within 0.5 games of each other.

Starting pitcher Takashima, who had been undefeated with three wins this season, suffered his first loss after giving up two runs in the middle of the fourth inning. "All runs came with two outs, so I wanted to hold on somehow," he said dejectedly.

Key player Ota was removed from the active roster on the 22nd due to a right calf bruise. From this day, fourth-year slugger Naito, who was promoted to the first team for the first time, started as the cleanup hitter and first baseman. In the fourth inning, trailing by one run with one out and a runner on first, he hit a doble over the left field, but thanks to Seibu Lions 's perfect coordinated play, Moritomo from runner first tagged out at home. His first professional RBI was postponed, and immediately after, he was caught out by a pickout.

In the game Seibu Lions on the 24th (Belluna Dome), Yamaoka, who has switched back to a relief pitcher role, will be starting for the first time in three years. If they win, they will head into the interleague games in first place.