◆ Pacific League: Orix Buffaloes vs. Rakuten Eagles (5th, Kyocera Dome)

Rakuten Eagles will be aiming to end their losing streak and secure their first win of the second half of the season in their game against Orix Buffaloes on the 5th.

In the game Orix Buffaloes on the 3rd (at Tokyo Dome), they were unable to hold onto a lead of up to five runs and suffered walk-off loss. With the All-Star break in between, they have now lost five straight games, putting them 21 games below .500, their largest deficit of the season. Their chances of making the Climax Series on their own have also been eliminated.

In the last two games, the lineup has been energized, scoring 6 runs in each of the last two games. Meanwhile, the pitcher have struggled, scoring a total of 19 runs over two games.

The team has an 8-5 record against Orix Buffaloes this season. Takinaka will be the starting pitch today. Expectations are high for the right-hander, who has been consistently pitch well this season.