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

The hero of the game Orix Buffaloes 's Sugimoto, seemed unfazed. "I've already forgotten about my knee. It's all healed now!" A loss would have dropped them to fourth place. Trailing by two runs in the ninth inning, he came in as a pinch hitter and hit a game-winning two-run doble. It was his third career dramatic hit. He led his team to their second walk-off victory of the season, ending a five-game losing streak that included one draw.

He started the season in the minor leagues due to pain in both knees. When manager Kishida informed him of his condition, he pointed to June on the calendar and said, "It'll be around this time..." The two agreed that he would return in perfect condition. On his birthday in April, while he was rehabilitating in Maishima, Osaka, he received gifts from many teammates, including Nishikawa. "So many people encouraged me." He was promoted to the first team for the first time on May 26th, and got his first RBI hit in his 17th at-bat.

Just before the game, his close friend Kuri, also born in 1991, volunteered to lead the team huddle. It's unusual for starter to take on this role, but his words, "Let's win no matter what!" resonated with the team at the very last moment. This was their first win in their seventh game of June, marking the start of a major comeback. (Toru Nagata)