◆ Pacific League: Softbank Hawks vs. Orix Buffaloes (22nd, Mizuho PayPay Stadium)

Orix Buffaloes pitcher Leo Yamaguchi is scheduled to make his first start and appearance of the season in the game against Softbank Hawks on the 23rd at Mizuho PayPay Dome. Drafted in the third round in 2024 from Sendai Ikuei High School, he has a record of 3 wins and 4 losses in 11 farm league games this season, his second year out of high school. In the game against Hanshin Tigers on the 17th (SGL), closer them hit and runs for two innings, and he said with determination, "I just want to do my best with what I can do right now. I think the strength of my pitches is my strong point, so I want to make the most of that when I pitch."

In 2025, he made his professional debut and first start in the final game of the season, the Rakuten Eagles game (Rakuten Mobile Park), pitching one inning without hit runs. "First, I want to throw solid 1 inning 1 inning and thoroughly see how far my pitch can go," he said, continuing his challenge in his second professional appearance. "I think it's a very passionate batting lineup with no gaps from 1st to 9th. I want to keep up with determination and keep up with the mind," he said, challenging the leader Softbank Hawks head-on.