◆ Pacific League: Orix Buffaloes vs. Nippon-Ham (20th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes 's Kuri was filled with a sense of responsibility. "The losing streak started with me." He had lost five straight games since his start against Rakuten Eagles on the 14th (Rakuten Eagles Mobile), and was also on a seven-game losing streak against Nippon-Ham. "I thought they might not have me on their minds," he said, lowering his right arm to a sidearm position in the first inning and throwing the first pitch to lead-off hitter Mizuno.

The ingenuity and strategies employed were meticulous in an effort to win. Although he struggled with three Walk by the second inning, he "abandoned the idea of trying to force strike" and recovered, pitching seven runs innings. Five of the seven wins were crucial victories that ended the team's losing streak. He also brought the first win in the third game of the popular "Orihime Day" event for female fans.

On the day he takes the mound, he always drinks milk. It's a routine he's had since his time with Hiroshima. He pours a set amount of 400ml into a glass, and when traveling, he substitutes with two paper cartons. With his strong mind, body, and technique, he should have no problem heading to the final game of the nine-game series against Lotte on the 26th (Kyocera Dome) after three consecutive games with only five days of rest. The team has returned to a .500 winning percentage in just one day. Allen's spirited pitching will be the starting point for their comeback. (Toru Nagata)