◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026 Orix Buffaloes 4-2 Yakult (11th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes secured their fifth three-game sweep against the same opponent this season. Starting pitcher Espinoza started strong, allowing only one runs in seven innings to earn his team-leading sixth win. The offense also provided support for the foreign right-hander in the middle innings.

In the fifth inning with one out and the bases bases loaded, Wakatsuki hit a go-ahead RBI single. Then, with the bases still bases loaded and one out, leadoff hitter So hit a two-doble, expressing his evolution with a rather complex comment: "My way of thinking has definitely evolved compared to before. But what's important isn't just chasing results, but challenging yourself with a clear mind. I found the answer to that in the batter's box."

It was a resounding victory thanks to both pitching and hitting clicking into place. After suffering three straight losses to The Giants at Tokyo Dome, they redeemed themselves against Yakult. Their interleague record is 7 wins, 7 losses, and 1 draw. At their home stadium, Kyocera Dome Osaka, they have shown incredible strength with a record of 23 wins and 5 losses.