◆ Pacific League: Orix Buffaloes vs. Rakuten Eagles (27th, Hotto Motto Kobe)

Rakuten Eagles infielder Itsuki Murabayashi delivered a game-winning hit. With the score tied 0-0 in the bottom of the 6th inning with two outs, consecutive hits by McCusker and Kurokawa put two seam fastball on first and second base. Murabayashi then hit a two-seam fastball down the middle to center field. "Kishi-san has been working incredibly hard, so I'm glad we were able to score the first run," he said, raising his right fist proudly from first base.

With runners still on first and second base, Taira also recorded a timely single to right field. "I decided to go for the ball that came into the strike zone and went for it with all my might. I'm glad it turned out well," he said with a smile.

They scored two runs with a flurry of hits, successfully supporting starting pitcher Kishi, who was aiming for his 172nd career win.