The 14th game between Fukuoka Softbank and Orix Buffaloes will be held at MIZUHO PayPay Dome on July 22nd at 6 PM.

[Head-to-head record] Fukuoka Softbank (1st place) vs. Orix Buffaloes (4th place): 5 wins, 8 losses

[Announced Starting Pitcher]
Fukuoka Softbank: pitcher C. Stewart Jr. 11 games, 5 wins, 4 losses, ERA 5.66
Orix Buffaloes: pitcher Raiku Katayama, 14 games, 0 wins, 0 losses, ERA 3.20

Fukuoka Softbank 's starting pitcher will be C. Stewart Jr. In his last start against Hokkaido Nippon-Ham he gave up 4 runs in less than 3 innings. This will be his first matchup against Orix Buffaloes this season, and he'll be looking to pitch well and earn his 6th win. On the offensive side, Kensuke Kondo hit Home Run opposing pitcher Raiku Katayama on June 24th. He'll be hoping to bring win with his hitting prowess once again.

Orix Buffaloes pitcher Katayama made his first start of the season against Tohoku Rakuten Eagles on the 15th, giving up 4 hit 2 runs in 5 innings. The team is struggling with a shortage of starting pitchers, so he'll be looking to pitch as many innings as possible to fulfill his role as a starter. The previous day, Ryu Sugisawa, who started as the number 9 hitter, hit the game-winning home run. Despite a temporary absence this season, he's been making his presence felt at bat. Can he continue this momentum and make a strong case for a regular spot?

Written by Kai Nagi Niwa