◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026: The Giants 5-4 Orix Buffaloes (June 3rd, Tokyo Dome)
Orix Buffaloes suffered a crushing comeback loss to The Giants, extending their losing streak to two games. Their first loss of the season came in Wednesday's game, after an undefeated record of eight games.
The game took a dramatic turn in the 8th inning. Second reliever Mukunoki, who came in with a 3-run lead, gave up a grand slam to pinch hitter Maru. He remained kneeling near third base line for a while, unable to move.
Starting pitcher Soya, making his debut at Tokyo Dome delivered a strong performance, runs only two hit and strike out while striking out 10 over seven innings. He maintained control of the game until the late innings. The shock of their reliable setup man faltering must be significant. This marks their first series loss in interleague play, bringing their record to 4 wins and 4 losses.
![[Video] Avoiding the pitch and falling on his backside → The incredible change in strike even hitter astonished: Soya's magic pitch](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/03/20260603-OHT1I51432-C.jpg)
![[Scoreboard] The Giants vs. Orix Buffaloes](/asset/img/news/source/logo_hochi.png){kind=logo}
![[Orix Buffaloes] Another player sidelined! Tomoya Mori removed from roster due to upper body condition issues. Manager Mamoru Kishida: "Based on today's check, it looks like it's going to be tough." Following Hiroya Miyagi, Shumpeita Yamashita...](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/02/20260602-OHT1I51429-C.jpg)
![[Orix Buffaloes] Ryuhei Sotani is determined to dominate in June: "I hope to ride this momentum," he vows to pitch brilliantly starting from the June 3 game The Giants.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/02/20260602-OHT1I51308-C.jpg)
![[Orix Buffaloes] Tomoya Mori despite the shock of leaving The Giants to win 7 straight games Ryo Ota is starting on the bench Ryoma Nishikawa Tomoya Noguchi is also starting line-up back on the bench](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/02/20260602-OHT1I51298-C.jpg)
