◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026 Orix Buffaloes 8-4 Yakult (10th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Entering the 8th inning for the first time this season, Orix Buffaloes Soya must have remembered what happened a week ago. In the game against The Giants on the 3rd (Tokyo D), he maintained a two-run lead and was substituted in the seventh inning with one runs. Relief Mukuki hit Maru in the 8th inning with a come-from-behind Grand Slam.

After being taken out of the game, Mukunoki went straight to Soya, who was in the locker room. "I'm really sorry." When he lowered his gaze, his senior, a right-handed pitcher one year his senior, was sitting on his knees and apologizing profusely. "In 143 games, there are days like this. Don't worry about it." He forced a smile and shared the disappointment. He felt more responsible for putting a burden on bullpen than for the win that had vanished.

In his fourth year as a pro, he hasn't forgotten his humility and desire for improvement. He's honing his prized slider, and at the same time, he's also focusing on fork. "Wouldn't it be good to have two types?" was the advice he received from Kuri, pitcher he respects. He asked about the grip, made adjustments, and since May, he's been experimenting with a slow drop ball in the low 130 km/h range. With ace Miyagi absent, this reliable man is taking the helm. (Toru Nagata)