◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026: Hiroshima 7-4 Orix Buffaloes (June 6th, Mazda Stadium)

Orix Buffaloes Manager Mamoru Kishida (45) put the course of the game into words. "fielder team really persevered and did their best. Today, we just couldn't closer..." The batting lineup was 8 hit from Hiroshima's ace Morishita, scoring 4 runs. Because of that, starting pitcher Ta pitch jima, who suffered his second loss in 5 runs in the 4th inning, was in serious trouble.

After the game, the manager met with the left-handed pitcher for over 30 minutes. He revealed that he had ordered him to be sent back to the farm team for further adjustments, explaining, "We talked about what he will be working on going forward. I think he's the kind of kid who likes to try different things. He has talent, so I hope he'll be well-prepared to showcase it." The pitcher joined the team as the first overall pick in the 2017 draft and reached 50 career wins this season, his ninth as a professional. Recognizing his abilities, the manager didn't forget to reassure him, saying, "It's totally fine. I'm sure he'll do a great job."

The team suffered its worst losing streak of the season, four games in a row, including one draw. The gap between them and league leaders Seibu Lions has widened to a record four games. With four losses and one draw in June, their chances of winning the interleague series for the first time in five years are virtually nil. Manager Kishida appealed, "Of course, there are times when our pitching and hitting aren't clicking, but we can't break through unless we all attack together." (Shunta Nanbu)