◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026: DeNA 1-7 Orix Buffaloes (May 26, Yokohama)

Orix Buffaloes secured a resounding 7-0 victory, starting their bid for their first interleague championship in five years with a win. They snapped a two-game losing streak. Manager Kishida praised "Iron Arm Allen," who earned his fifth win of the season, tying the team lead, with 8 innings runs and only 1 run allowed. "The day before yesterday, our relief pitchers were pitching over and over, but Kuri really gave us a rest."

By the end of the eighth inning, Kuri had thrown 115 pitches. "Kuri is always eager to go on the mound," he said with a wry smile. "Today, he was in a position to say 'thank you.' He really helped the team," he added, showering him with praise.

In the first inning, the offense started with Nishikawa, who was batting leadoff for the second time this season, hitting doble to center field, and they scored four runs in quick succession. "In the first inning, everyone really gave it their all from the start. (Nishikawa) gave us momentum, Yamanaka got a hit at a good time, and Noguchi also had a good hit," he said, nodding.