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

Orix Buffaloes The team secured its fifth three-game winning streak against the same opponent this season. While they suffered three straight losses to the Tokyo-based The Giants, they have now won three straight against the Yakult. With the score tied at 0-0 in the top of the fifth inning with one out bases loaded, No. 9 batter Wakatsuki broke the deadlock.

"I'm grateful to Satozaki-san... He said it on YouTube, and it's true." The opposing starting pitcher was the underhand Shimokawa. He got a hint for countermeasures from a senior catcher who had made a name for himself at Lotte. "He told me to keep my eyes on the inside low pitch and swing at it. I put that into practice." His image and swing matched up, and he hit a go-ahead single to right field. Although their other ace, Moritomo, is out, he showed his determination to play at full capacity, saying, "I'm confident in my physical strength, so I'm fine in that regard."