◆ Pacific League Orix Buffaloes 9-6 Rakuten Eagles (3rd, Tokyo Dome)

Orix Buffaloes overcame a five-run deficit to secure their seventh walk-off victory of the season. This was their first win in August, ending their two-game losing streak. In their first home game at Tokyo Dome in 17 years, they returned to a .500 winning percentage.

doble The key player was Kida, now in his sixth pro season.In the first inning, with two outs and a runner on second, he pinch-hit for Ota—who had complained of discomfort in his left wrist—and hit an RBI single straight to left field wall. In the sixth inning, with one out, he launched his third solo home run of the season to right-center field. Then, in the ninth inning with one out and runners on first and second, he tied the game by hitting his second home run of the day walk-off—a three-run shot to right-center field, his fourth of the season.

This was his second game of the season with two home runs, a career-high five RBI, and four Home Run, a career high. Manager Kishida looked back on it excitedly, saying, "It was amazing. I was surprised. He really did it." 41,015 people attended the game, the highest attendance for a team-hosted regular season held at Tokyo Dome since attendance figures began to be released in 2005. "I think we had incredible momentum. We get a lot of fans at Kyocera Dome too, but to have so many people here in Tokyo... I really felt that the fans were pushing the team forward," he said gratefully.

After a travel day, they will play two consecutive games Rakuten Eagles at their home stadium, Kyocera Dome, starting on the 5th. "We have to use this as momentum. We don't know if the next game will be a close contest, pitcher duel, or whatever it may be, but we will fight together as a team in each and every game," he said, tightening the reins.