◆パ・リーグ　オリックス０―７日本ハム（１８日・京セラドーム大阪）

Orix Buffaloes ・ Taisuke Yamaoka pitcher (30) has expressed his determination to make a fresh start.The right-hander, who made his first start in three years on May 24 against the Seibu Lions (at Belluna D) but was pulled after 2/3 of an inning with a 2-runs, had been working on his form in the farm system since the following day, May 25. He was called up again today and expressed his determination to give his all regardless of his role, saying, “Since I was called up, I want to be ready to pitch anywhere.”

He was converted back to a starting pitcher this season, but after being removed from the roster, he mainly pitched in relief. In the minor leagues, he showed signs of recovery with ERA of 2.20 in 9 games. In 2025, he had 13 hold in 41 games. He reaffirmed that "my job is to come back scoreless wherever I'm given the opportunity to pitch."

The annual “Orihime Day” got off to a losing start. Although he didn’t take the mound that day, for a team aiming to climb back above a .500 winning percentage, the presence of a right-hander capable of coming in to stop a run or pitching multiple inning innings is invaluable. He has won three consecutive titles since the Ori-Men voting began in 2019 and finished in 8th place this season as the team’s star player pitcher. “The fans’ support is immense.” hitter Defeating them would be the best way to repay that support. (Shunta Nanbu)