[Orix Buffaloes] Kotaro Kobayashi who Hit by Pitch in the head by a pitch, says "It felt like it just grazed me. I'm fine." He will continue to play from the 4th onwards. | Pacific League

[Orix Buffaloes] Kotaro Kobayashi Hit by Pitch in the head by a pitch, says, "It felt like it just grazed me. I'm fine." He will continue to play from the 4th onwards.

Sports Hochi

June 3, 2026 22:38

In the second inning with no outs, Kotaro Kobayashi was hit in the head by Hit by Pitch (pitcher: Shohei Togo) (Photo: Shohei Uemura)

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

Orix Buffaloes infielder Kotaro Kobayashi played the entire game as the cleanup hitter and shortstop. In the second inning, a wild fork from Togoh hit him in helmet (Togoh was ejected for throwing a dangerous pitch), but he was relieved and went to first base. In the sixth inning, with no outs and runners on first and second, he hit a single to center field, and then two more runs were added.

He's on a roll with hit in four consecutive games. "It felt like I was grazed on the side of my head. I'll be able to play tomorrow, so I'm fine. I'll do my best," he said, appearing completely unharmed.