◆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.

Starting pitcher Miyaguni faced a crisis with runners on second and third with two outs in the second inning, prompting manager Mamoru Kishida to intentional walk the eighth batter Hirakawa. However, with two outs bases loaded and pitcher Okamoto hit a fastball push Walk, Miyakuni followed with a consecutive push Walk to Nahara.

With two outs and the bases loaded, he gave up a two-doble the left field line to Kikuchi. The right-hander was pulled after 1 2/3 innings having given up four runs, and the manager said, "He had a good start, but he still lacks experience and was probably nervous. He'll get there from here. Everything is an experience. No matter what happens, he has to use it to his advantage. I hope he'll prepare himself again so that he can turn it into a positive."

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. Winning the interleague series for the first time in five years seems hopeless. Manager Kishida desperately tried to look ahead, saying, "We will keep working hard so that we can win when we return home."