◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026: Hiroshima vs. Orix Buffaloes (May 5th, Mazda Stadium)

Orix Buffaloes pitcher Riku Miyakuni joined the pre-game practice at Mazda Stadium on the 5th, ahead of the game against Hiroshima. Drafted in the third round of the 2023 developmental draft from Toho High School in Aichi Prefecture, he has been pitching well in the farm league since the start of his third professional season. He was officially registered as a regular player on May 7th, and the following day, in a game against Nippon-Ham (Kyocera Dome Osaka), he made his professional debut as a starter, pitching three innings and allowing only two runs, showing glimpses of his great potential.

After that, he appeared in three more games in the farm league. In 10 games, they have maintained a stable pitch with 5 wins in the West Division and second place on ERA 2.26. If all goes well, he is expected to start in the three-game series against Hiroshima starting on the 5th (Mazda Stadium). For the 154 km/h right-hander, who said, "Throwing at the hitter I'm playing all the way up was fun. I want to pitch again soon," this could be a chance to aim for his first professional win.

◆Riku Miyaguni: Born August 7, 2005, in Ginowan City, Okinawa. Age 20. He started playing baseball in Ginowan Elementary School with the "Ginowan Baseball Kids" and played for the "Ginowan Ponies" in Ginowan Junior High School. He played in Koshien tournament in the spring of his third year at Toho High School in Aichi Prefecture in 2023. He joined Orix Buffaloes in the fall of the same year as the third pick in the developmental draft. 176 cm, 86 kg. Right-handed pitcher and batter.