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

Orix Buffaloes suffered a heartbreaking come-from-behind loss. "I didn't expect to be beaten that badly..." They are now 2.5 games behind league leaders Seibu Lions. Softbank Hawks has overtaken them, dropping them to third place for the first time since April 18th. Manager Kishida couldn't hide his shock at the home run given up in the eighth inning. It was hit by set-up pitcher Mukunoki.

Leading by 3. With one down and 5 pitches to bases loaded. full count The first time he had been in a position to do so was in the second inning, when he was hit by a pitch and hit by a pitch. The right-hander, who has 15 hold career hits for the most in the Pacific League, said his first runs in 10 games led to his first loss.

Soya, the starter, was near perfect in his first appearance for Tokyo D, going 1 runs in 7 innings and striking out 10 struck out in double digits for the first time this season. Manager Kishida said, "I'm sure there's a reason for that. I need him to turn it around and get on with it," he said, stressing his continued faith in Mukuraki. Wednesday's undefeated streak, which had been eight games since the season opener, was also shattered. It was the first loss in three games in the series. The team will not lose three consecutive games on the same card.