◆パ・リーグ　オリックス３―１西武（５日・京セラドーム大阪）

Orix Buffaloes defeated Seibu Lions in a close game, securing their first series win in five series since the league resumed. They ended their three-game losing streak (including a draw), and earned their first win in their fourth game of July.

In the second inning, with one out, Ota hit his fifth home run of the season, a solo shot over left field. This was his first home run since the game Seibu Lions on June 19th (Kyocera Dome Osaka), and it gave them the lead against Seibu Lions 's Sumida, who had shutout game in their previous outing. In the seventh inning, Yamanaka and Moritomo added two more runs with timely hits.

Starting pitcher Espinoza delivered a strong performance, allowing only 5 hit 1 runs 7 innings to earn his 7th win, tying his personal best from his rookie year in 2024. This marks his fourth consecutive win against Seibu Lions, bringing his total wins against that opponent to a career-high 6.

In the eighth inning, reliever Mukunoki retired the side in order, earning his league-leading 21st hold. After successfully avenging their one-run lead against Seibu on the Seibu Lions (at Hotto Motto Kobe), closer Machado closed out the game in the ninth inning.