◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026 Orix Buffaloes 2-1 Hanshin Tigers (June 12, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

They connected. They defended. Orix Buffaloes manager Kishida led the team. "To a certain extent, it went according to plan. Everyone really managed to hold on somehow." After five consecutive losses, including one draw, they went on a four-game winning streak. A season-high eight-man pitching rotation was employed, and win the Kansai Derby against Hanshin Tigers for the first time in two years.

Perdomo, who was moved from the bullpen to his first start in his fourth year in Japan, runs. He was a special one. He didn't get a chance to play in the first stage of last year's Climax Series. After losing to Nippon-Ham, he sat next to the manager on the plane back to Osaka. To the manager, who said, "I'm sorry I couldn't let you pitch when it mattered," the foreign player replied, "I want to be a valuable asset to the team next year as well." He had a string of failed relief appearances at the start of the season, but this was certainly a step towards his comeback.

Starting with Iriyama in the fourth inning, the relief pitchers were brought in without hesitation, securing a thrilling one-run win. Their interleague record is 8 wins, 7 losses, and 1 draw, putting them ahead in wins. After the game, manager Kishida, upon learning of win of all five Pacific League teams, gave a wry smile and asked, "How was it?" They are determined to stay in contention and challenge the league-leading Seibu Lions, who are five games behind. (Toru Nagata)