◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026: The Giants vs. Orix Buffaloes (June 4th, Tokyo Dome)
Orix Buffaloes manager Mamoru Kishida, eager to prevent a three-game sweep against The Giants, rearranged the batting lineup. Ota was put in the starting lineup as the cleanup hitter and first baseman. He had returned as a pinch hitter in the game against The Giants on the 3rd (Tokyo Dome) after suffering a right calf contusion, and hit doble in the 9th inning. Watanabe, who was on the verge of securing the regular center field position, started on the bench. Nakagawa took center field and Yamanaka took right field.
1 (Middle) Nakagawa
2 (Left) Nishikawa
3 (3) Sect
4 (1) Ota
5 (Play) Beni Hayashi
6 (2) Noguchi
7 (Right) Yamanaka
8 (captured) Wakazuki
9 (Pitcher) Espinoza
![[Video] What?! A player is doing strength training during the match!!](https://hochi.news/images/2026/04/03/20260403-OHT1I51418-L.jpg)
![[Scoreboard] The Giants vs. Orix Buffaloes](/asset/img/news/source/logo_hochi.png){kind=logo}
![[Orix Buffaloes] Drops to 3rd place for the first time since April 18... Ren Mukunoki gives up a painful grand slam. Manager Mamoru Kishida: "There must be some reason for it."](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/04/20260604-OHT1I51114-C.jpg)
![[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.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/03/20260603-OHT1I51583-C.jpg)
![[Orix Buffaloes] Despite a crushing comeback loss, Ryo Ota finds something to be gained! doble Martinez in the 9th inning. "I get restless when I'm on the bench." His return from a right calf bruise is getting closer to returning starting line-up.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/03/20260603-OHT1I51565-C.jpg)
