◆ Pacific League Orix Buffaloes 3-6 Softbank Hawks (July 7th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes lost a close game, widening the gap with league leaders Softbank Hawks to a season-high eight games. Starting pitcher Jerry, who had a 0.50 ERA in three games, was knocked out after 59 pitches. He gave up three runs in 2 1/3 innings, suffering his fifth loss of the season. He vowed to bounce back, saying, "In a long season, there are bound to be times when you're not in good form, but we have to make those times as short as possible."

The relief pitchers, Hiroshi and Saiki, held on to a one-run deficit, but Gonda gave up three runs in the seventh inning. He then surrendered a three-run homer to pinch hitter Yanagida, completely losing control of the game. He handed opposing starter Uwasawa his 25th win against the opposing team, the most against any single opponent since his time with Nippon-Ham. The team fell to fifth place in winning percentage behind Lotte.