The 13th game between Fukuoka Softbank and Orix Buffaloes will be held at MIZUHO PayPay Dome on July 21st at 6 PM.

[Head-to-head record] Fukuoka Softbank (1st place) vs. Orix Buffaloes (4th place): 5 wins, 7 losses

[Announced Starting Pitcher]
Fukuoka Softbank: Naoyuki Uwasawa pitcher 12 games, 5 wins, 3 losses, ERA 2.36
Orix Buffaloes: pitcher Espinoza had 8 wins (tied for 3rd) and 3 losses in 14 games, ERA of 2.40 (4th).

Fukuoka Softbank 's starting pitcher will be Naoyuki Uwasawa who is currently on a two-game winning streak. In his first game back on June 23rd against Orix Buffaloes after recovering from a right elbow injury, he gave up 3 runs in 5 innings, resulting in a loss. However, since then, he has pitched 6 innings in three consecutive games, giving up 2 runs or less, showing improved form. This is the final three-game home series of the first half of the season, and we can expect a strong performance from him in the crucial first game. In addition, Keita Yamamoto and Isami Nomura, who joined the first team in the previous series, each recorded hit on the 20th. Can they contribute to raising the overall strength of the team?

On the other hand, Orix Buffaloes 's pitcher, Espinoza, will be taking mound in Fukuoka for the second time since coming to Japan. His previous appearance at the stadium was on September 22, 2025, where he pitched 6 innings, throwing 105 pitches, allowing only 4 hit strike out giving up no runs. In July, he achieved a Quality Start in both of his games and was the win pitcher. Will his pitching give the team pitch after stopping their losing streak? In the batting lineup, Yuma Mune recorded 2 RBI, including a timely hit, in the previous day's game. He has a good record against Fukuoka Softbank this season with a batting average of .429, and will be looking to provide early run support.

Written by Ao Yokoyama