Orix Buffaloes pitcher Naruki Teranishi (23), who will be the opening pitcher for the second half of the season, vowed on the 30th to get his first win back. The 158 km/h right-hander had been in a relief role since his first win of the season on April 16 against Seibu Lions (Kyocera Dome). Looking ahead to his second start back as a starter on the 31st against Seibu Lions (Belluna Dome), he said, "I'm ready. I just have to go for it."

In his previous appearance on the 24th against Lotte (Kyocera D), he pitched 4 innings and threw 78 pitches in 2 runs. Taking into account the pitch count limit, he set a goal: "Since they were considerate, I want to be able to return those things with solid results. I want a longer inning than last time." He has not started as an away pitcher in his second year win, but out of his three career wins as a starter, he has won Seibu Lions two against opponents. Manager Kishida said, "He showed great pitch even on the reliever side, and although he is a pitcher capable of both, I want him to pitch solidly as a starter."

On this day, he threw 26 pitches in bullpen at the opposing team's stadium. "I was happy. We're not the kind of friends who encourage each other, but we're good friends (laughs)," he said, seemingly inspired by Higashiyama, his teammate from the 2024 draft class who has returned to the main roster. They are in fourth place, six games behind third-place Nippon-Ham who are in the playoff zone. "It's an important start, so I'm only focused on winning," he said, showing his determination to contribute to chasing the top teams. (Shunta Nanbu)