◆ Pacific League: Orix Buffaloes vs. Seibu Lions (3rd, Hotto Motto Kobe)

Orix Buffaloes, Kento Kawase pitcher, and Shuna Hori catcher joined the first team on the 3rd. In his sixth professional year, Kawase has ERA 3.38 in five games this season. He was removed from the active roster on May 24, but from June onward, he posted a steady number of results, pitching four 1/3 innings in five farm league games with 3 runs (2 earned). In 2025, he pitched 32 inning in 23 games and recorded his first professional win, making his presence felt as a promising long-reliever. He is highly anticipated as a savior for the pitcher team amid a string of injuries.

Now in his third professional season, Hori has appeared in 29 games in the league this season, batting .311 with 10 RBI. This promising future starting player, who is gaining recognition as a “power hitter catcher,” is set to be called up for the second time this season.