◆ Seibu Lions Pacific League: Seibu vs. Orix Buffaloes (August 1st, Belluna Dome)

Orix Buffaloes manager Mamoru Kishida (45) spoke calmly. "It's important to make sure we get the outs we can. We just have to improve on that." Second pitcher Yamazaki gave up a run to tie the game, and there was still a runner on third with one out. It looked like he had gotten Nevin out on a ground ball to third base, but catcher Wakatsuki fumbled throw from third baseman So, allowing the winning run to score. "It was my mistake. I'm sorry to So," said Wakatsuki. In the 8th inning, they gave up two more runs due to errors, and started August with a loss.

Back to a .500 winning percentage in just one day. While the team suffered a painful come-from-behind loss on the road, starting pitcher Jerry pitch was a bright spot. Despite issuing six walks Hit by Pitch through six innings, he shut down the opposition in key moments and pitched a fiery game—throwing a career-high 111 pitches in Japan—without allowing a run runs. Although he missed out on his fourth win—his first in five games—the manager said“He really pitched well pitch in the heat. He pitched with the determination to ‘somehow closer and win,’” praising the 213-centimeter right-hander’s fighting spirit.

To catch up to the top teams from their current fourth-place position in the league, they desperately need to secure a win in the third game of the series on the 2nd. Manager Kishida is optimistic, believing in his players' abilities, saying, "If they stay calm, I believe they all have the ability to do it." (Shunta Nanbu)