◆ Pacific League Orix Buffaloes vs. Lotte (25th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)
Orix Buffaloes catcher Sho Fukunaga started the game as the "number 8 batter and catcher" and had a close call in the sixth inning. With two outs and runners on first and second defense, pinch hitter Sato hit a ball into foul territory, and Fukunaga sprinted straight for it. He ended up throwing himself towards the first base dugout and crouching down on the spot.
He received treatment in the dugout and resumed playing three minutes later. The fifth-year catcher, who showed great determination, was given a warm round of applause.
![[Photo] A two-shot of Nozomi Sasaki and Kosei Yoshida: What's the reason for their sudden closeness?](https://hochi.news/images/2023/01/06/20230106-OHT1I51072-L.jpg)
![[Scoreboard] Orix Buffaloes vs. Lotte](https://hochi.news/assets/v2/img/hochi_news_sns.png)
![[Orix Buffaloes] Sean Hjelle leaves the game after 5 innings, runs given up 6 hit and strike out while striking out 6... His first win in 4 games will have to wait.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/07/25/20260725-OHT1I51295-L.jpg)
![[Orix Buffaloes] Raiku Katayama participates in Orix Princess Day talk show: "I want to achieve results worthy of me." Is he eager to join the Orix team next year and beyond?](https://hochi.news/images/2026/07/25/20260725-OHT1I51252-L.jpg)
![[Orix Buffaloes] Ryo Ota hits his 6th home run of the season, a two-run shot, in the first inning! "I was able to make my own swing." The previous night he hit his second walk-off hit of the season.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/07/25/20260725-OHT1I51229-L.jpg)
