Orix Buffaloes Buffaloes outfielder Yutaro Sugimoto has been awarded the "SkyPerfecTV! Walk walk-off Award" for June. In the game against Yakult Swallows on June 9th (Kyocera Dome Osaka), with the team trailing by one run in the bottom of the ninth inning with one out and runners on second and third base, he stepped up to the plate as a pinch hitter. He hit a game-winning walk-off-off single to left field off closer Kihada, his third career dramatic hit, which also ended the team's five-game losing streak.

"It feels great. Quite a few players have hit walk-off hits, and personally, I thought it might be Seibu Lions 's Hasegawa. I'm happy to be chosen." He also won a prize of 300,000 yen. When asked how he plans to spend it, he smiled and revealed, "I want to invite someone out for a delicious meal."

Raoh, who was removed from the active roster on June 26th and is currently undergoing readjustment in the minor leagues, is also on the verge of reaching 100 career home Home Run. He renewed his resolve, saying, "I want to get more at-bats and have more good at-bats, and I want to contribute with my batting again (in the first team). I have to live up to the expectations of the fans who support me."