◆ Pacific League Orix Buffaloes 6-5 Seibu Lions (10 extra inning) (19th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes ・Ota was quietly burning. First, with one out in the ninth inning trailing by one run, he hit a comeback solo home run of the fourth run over Iwaki to right to tie the game. At the last moment, the game got back on track, extra inning In the 10th inning, with one out and runners on second and third, he hit a powerful single to right field off Hamaya. This marked the first consecutive walk-off win in two games in 14 years since the game against Lotte (Kyocera D) on May 1, 2012. Ota, who fell to a struck out in the sixth inning with two outs and runners on first and second trailing by one run, said, "I couldn't hit in my previous at-bat when I had a chance. I wanted to fight back," shaking off his frustration in the best possible way.

He was removed from the active roster on May 22nd due to a bruised right calf, but was recalled for the game against the The Giants on June 2nd (at Tokyo Dome). In order to get a "strong body," he placed a relaxation chair that provides a stable supply of concentrated oxygen in his home before the season started. He sits in it for 30 minutes to an hour every day to recover from fatigue. "It has a pretty good effect on making it easier to fall asleep. I use it on days when there's a night game followed by a day game, and I get a good night's sleep," he says, using this "secret weapon" also used by Hanshin Tigers 's Takahashi, which is contributing to his good performance.

Having secured third place, the hero, who will be wearing number this season, beamed with a wide smile and said, "I hope we can keep this momentum going tomorrow." (Shunta Nanbu)