◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026 Orix Buffaloes 3x-2 Hanshin Tigers (14th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes secured their third walk-off victory of the season, bringing their interleague series record to 9 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw after 18 games, marking their fourth consecutive winning record. They also achieved their first win in the "Kansai Derby" in two years.

Starting pitcher Kuri pitched a tenacious five innings, runs five hit and strike out while striking out five. This was his first win on four days' rest since joining Orix Buffaloes, and his first win since September 3, 2023 against Chunichi (Mazda Stadium) when he was with Hiroshima. The relief pitchers then held the opponent runs.

In the fourth inning, trailing by one run, with two outs and runners on first and third, Sugisawa hit a timely single to right field to tie the game temporarily. In the seventh inning, once again trailing by one run, with one out and a runner on third, Wakatsuki hit a ground ball to second base, which resulted in a fielder's fielder’s choice by the opposing team, allowing the team to tie the game.

extra inning In the bottom of the 10th inning, with two outs and runners on first and third, Yamanaka hit a walk-off. Yoshida, who took the mound in the 10th inning and retired the side in order closer, earned his first win in 649 days, dating back to the game on September 3, 2024 Seibu Lions against the Hotto Kobe.