◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026: Hiroshima 5-2 Orix Buffaloes (July 7, Mazda Stadium)

Orix Buffaloes suffered a defeat against Hiroshima, extending their losing streak to five games, their worst of the season, with one draw in between. This six-game losing streak on the road during interleague play is the first time they've suffered such a humiliation in 17 years, since 2009. They are facing a tough challenge in June, with five losses and one draw in six games.

The starting pitcher was third-year right-hander Miyakuni, a developmental graduate. In the second inning, with two outs and runners on second and third, the bench chose the intentional walk of the eighth batter, Hirakawa. However, the ninth batter pitcher, Okamoto, was hit by a fastball Walk, and Nahara followed with two consecutive bases Walk With two outs and bases loaded, he gave up a two-run doble down the left field line to Kikuchi, and after 4 runs in 1 and 2/3 innings, he was unfortunately taken out early. In the eighth inning, Hiroshi gave up one run.

In the fourth inning, with one out and the bases loaded, the offense scored two runs on a timely infield hit to third base by Yamanaka and sacrifice fly by Kurebayashi. However, they were unable to score any more runs after that.

The team is in a difficult situation, with ace pitchers Miyagi and Yamashita out for the rest of the season due to elbow surgery, and fielder Hirooka, Moritomo, and Watanabe sidelined due to injuries. A first interleague championship in five years seems hopeless. The Buffaloes fans in the visitor's performance seats on the third base side chanted "Get fired up, The Buffaloes!" but it was all in vain.