◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026 Orix Buffaloes 7-5 Chunichi (31st, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes came from behind to win, securing their second consecutive series win in interleague play. They finished May with a record of 13 wins and 12 losses, a winning record for the month. They had a slump in the middle of the month, including a four-game losing streak, but managed to recover.

Trailing by three runs in the fourth inning, with one out and a runner on third, Yamanaka hit a timely doble the right field line. This narrowed the gap to two runs, and with two bases loaded and Walk loaded, consecutive walks to Watanabe and Kurebayashi brought in the winning run. With the bases still loaded and two outs, cleanup bases loaded Nishikawa hit a game-winning two-run single to right field. Nishikawa had a spectacular day, racking up three hit and three RBI.

Starting pitcher Takashima was pulled after 1 1/3 innings, having given up 5 hit 4 runs. It was a disappointing outing for the third-year right-hander, but the second pitcher, Hiroshi, held strong, giving up only 1 runs in 2 2/3 innings. With a two-run lead from the 5th inning, the third pitcher, Yamazaki, delivered a good relief performance, giving up only 1 hit no runs in 3 innings. From the 8th inning, Mukunoki and Machado combined for the win.