◆ Pacific League Seibu Lions 4-3 Orix Buffaloes (24th, Belluna Dome)

Orix Buffaloes surrendered first place to Seibu Lions and will enter the exchange game in second place. Taisuke Yamaoka pitcher (30), who had re-transformed from a reliever and was making his first start in three years, surrendered just 20 pitches, 2 runs in 2 1/3 innings. After the game, it was decided to readjust to the farm. The 10-year professional right-hander has been supporting the team since its slump, including in terms of popularity. Reporter Toru Nagata "saw" the harsh reality.

It was a harsh, painful, and lonely reality. For Yamaoka, it was his first start mound in 1050 days, since the game Seibu Lions on July 9, 2023 (at Kyocera Dome). He disappeared after only 20 pitches. He was taken out of the game after just 2/3 of an inning, his shortest outing outside of injury. Even though bullpen day had been anticipated, it was an extremely early knockout.

Canario led off with the tying run on the first pitch, a 145 km/h high fastball to left center field. After consecutive hits put runners on second and third with no outs, Nevin was hit by a pitch to win the game sacrifice fly. Walk The first two outs were on a single and a triple, and after Hirasawa flied out to left field, he was ordered to take over.

Due to insufficient power output, he started the season in the minor leagues. He pitched in eight games in the farm league, with a record of 1 win and 5 losses and ERA of 4.61. Why was he used at this time? Most likely, they wanted to see Yamaoka's "determination."

In 2019, he had the best winning percentage with 13 wins and 4 losses. He and Yamamoto (now with the Dodgers) formed a formidable duo, and he has also experienced being the opening day pitcher and playing for the Samurai Japan national team. At 30, he is by no means past his prime and is an indispensable asset to the first team. Last year, he had a 0.00 ERA in 8 games against Seibu Lions. His compatibility with the team, the unique atmosphere, the tension, the adrenaline—it seems that manager Kishida has gambled on the possibility of him "succeeding in the first team" by using all of these as his strengths.

The result was a failure. After the game, it was decided that he would be sent back to the minor leagues for further adjustments. Will he try to overcome his current situation as a starter, or will he try to revive his career as a reliever? He looked ahead, as if bracing himself for a long and arduous road, saying, "I want to be able to give it my all again..." He is one of the star players who has supported the team through its slump, both in terms of skill and popularity. It can be said that he has reached a major turning point. (Toru Nagata)