◆ Pacific League: Softbank Hawks vs. Orix Buffaloes (23rd, Mizuho PayPay)
Orix Buffaloes ・ Kenya Wakatsuki catcher started at "No. 9, catcher" and hit his first solo home run of the season in his first at-bat.
With neither team scoring in the third inning and two outs, count 1-1, a Softbank Hawks Uwasawa slider hit a home run that landed on Terrace home run left field. This was his first home run, a joyful milestone in his 168th plate appearance of the season. "I'm just glad we were able to take the lead! I'll keep working hard from now on to somehow turn this into a win."
![[Video] BAM on the second pitch!! Ohtani, a father of two, is just too strong!!](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/23/20260623-OHT1I51103-C.jpg)
![[Scoreboard] Softbank Hawks vs. Orix Buffaloes](https://hochi.news/assets/v2/img/hochi_news_sns.png)
![[Orix Buffaloes] Right-handed relief pitcher Hiroshi added to the active roster after transferring from Chunichi via the active player draft, in his third year with the team.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/06/23/20260623-OHT1I51283-L.jpg)
![[Orix Buffaloes] Alen Kuri aims for revenge: "I've worked hard without forgetting the feeling of frustration" In his last start, he was knocked out after giving up 6 runs in the middle of the 4th inning... He will start in the away game against Softbank Hawks on the 18th.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/04/17/20260417-OHT1I51331-L.jpg)
![[Orix Buffaloes] "Muku-san, that's insane!" Kotaro Kobayashi hits his first home run of the season, not to be outdone by Ota, in his second consecutive game.](https://hochi.news/images/2025/04/23/20250423-OHT1I51407-L.jpg)
