Atsushi Kataoka, who appeared on "Pro baseball News 2026" broadcast on Fuji TV ONE on the 20th, commented on Nippon-Ham 'defense in the first inning after their loss to Orix Buffaloes.

In the first inning, with one out and bad throw runner on base, Nippon-Ham allowed Haruto Watanabe to reach short stop on a ground ball to short stop, which shortstop Tatsuki Mizuno threw wildly to first base. Ryoma Ryoma Nishikawa then hit a single to left field, putting runners on first and third, and passed ball during Ryo Ota 's at-bat allowed the first run to score. Furthermore, Yuma Mune So hit an RBI single, giving up two runs in the first inning. The Nippon Ham offense was unable to break through Orix Buffaloes pitcher staff, and they suffered a 0-3 shutout game loss. Nippon-Ham 's error total reached 60.

Kataoka reflected, "Nippon-Ham has had a lot of errors this season. In today's game, Mizuno was up to bat, and with Watanabe as hitter, he was fast. Taking an extra step wasn't a problem. There was also passed ball. The game started at 1pm, and recently day games usually start at 2pm, but it was an hour earlier, so not only pitcher but also fielder had to be careful about how they started the game. I think the game showed that they were prepared."

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"