◆パ・リーグ　オリックス３―５西武（２１日・京セラドーム大阪）

Orix Buffaloes 's attack in the ninth inning, trailing by two runs, proved disastrous. With one out and a runner on second, Nishikawa hit a single to left field, putting runners on first and third. Pinch runner Gibo attempted to steal second but was thrown out. Had he succeeded, it would have been one out with runners on second and third, setting up a potential comeback for the heart of the lineup starting with the in-form second batter, Yamanaka. The momentum for a comeback faded, and in the end, with two outs and runners on first and third, Nakagawa flied out to left field.

Manager Mamoru Kishida wore a grim expression, saying, "There was a reason for that move, and it was a gamble we took... but it didn't work out, so it's our responsibility." The gap with league leaders Seibu Lions has widened to a season-high 6.5 games, and he tried to look ahead, saying, "(Seibu Lions) is strong. Their pitcher staff has always been good. I think they are just strong. We just have to take it one game at a time."