◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026 Orix Buffaloes 4x-3 Yakult (June 9, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes walk-off The team's worst losing streak of the season, five in a row, including a one-run loss, was snapped when Sugimoto scored two doble runs in the ninth inning to turn the tide. The team was in danger of falling back to fourth place if it lost, but it defended its third place position and win scored its first in its seventh game in June.

After the game, manager Mamoru Kishida emphasized, "It's really significant that we all worked together to secure this victory." He praised everyone's efforts, saying, "I could see how hard everyone was trying." There are five interleague games remaining, the last of which will be a three-game series against Hanshin Tigers, who are currently in first place in Central League. "I think we'll have some tough games ahead, but we just have to work together as one. This win is a relief for everyone," he said, looking ahead to a comeback.