◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026: Hiroshima vs. Orix Buffaloes (July 7th, Mazda Stadium)

Orix Buffaloes pitcher Riku Miyakuni was pulled from the game after 1 2/3 innings, having given up 3 hit runs and 3 Walk. He retired the first three batters in order in the first inning, but the second inning proved to be a challenge.

After Sakakura, leading off, hit a single to center field, he allowed Motomaru to also hit a single to center field with one out, putting runners on first and second. Later, with two outs and runners on second and third, Orix Buffaloes the bench declared Hirakawa, the No. 8 batter, intentional walk. However, he allowed No. 9 batter Okamoto to fastball drive in a run Walk.He then allowed another run-scoring walk to the next batter, Nahara Walk. With two outs bases loaded, he gave up a two-run single down the left-field line to Kikuchi doble, at which point he was pulled from the game.

Taking advantage of the rule at Central League—which states that "pitcher" is placed in slot 9—the strategy at bases loaded backfired. He was forced to leave the game early, which was a real disappointment.