◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026: The Giants 5-4 Orix Buffaloes (June 3rd, Tokyo Dome)

Orix Buffaloes suffered a heartbreaking comeback loss. In the eighth inning, with a three-run lead, reliever Mukunoki took the mound and gave up bases loaded to pinch hitter Maru. After confirming the ball had gone into the stands, he remained kneeling near third base line, unable to move. The right-hander, who had recorded the most hold in Pacific League with 15, had mainly been in charge of the eighth inning in winning games. He was trying his best to accept the reality and move forward.

I really want to do my best so that I can get revenge tomorrow. It was the first time in his five years as a professional that he pitched in a position that directly affects the outcome of a game. Manager Mamoru Kishida also turned his attention to pitch the pinch-hit bases loaded situation with five pitches from first base, saying, "The pitcher that goes in a situation like that (gets into the game). The fact that it was a painful black star didn't change the fact that it was a black star, "We just have to switch things up. I didn't think I could get hit that hard," he appealed.