◆ Pacific League Orix Buffaloes vs. Lotte (25th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes pitcher Raiku Katayama participated in a player talk show for "Bs Orihime Day 2026" before the game. In front of approximately 300 fans, he engaged in a lighthearted conversation with freelance announcer Kazuki Omae. The second-year right-hander, who was knocked out of the game against Softbank Hawks on the 22nd (Mizuho PayPay Dome) after throwing just 13 pitches without recording a single out, and who earned his first win of the season against Lotte on the 24th (Kyocera Dome Osaka), reiterated his promise to "contribute to the team's victory in whatever role I'm entrusted with."

Midway through, when Mr. Omae brought up the topic of the "Original Members Vote," the 23-year-old, who has yet to make it into the top 10, gave a wry smile. "If I don't have a track record (in baseball), I think fans will be hesitant to vote for me. I want to achieve results that are worthy of their votes," he declared, and called for votes in the coming years.