◆ Pacific League: Lotte 4-1 Orix Buffaloes (8th, ZOZO Marine Stadium)

Orix Buffaloes ・ Ryuhei Sotani pitcher failed to make a successful return. The left-hander, who had been sidelined to focus on his conditioning, made his first start since June 10 against the Yakult (Kyocera Dome Osaka), but suffered his fourth loss, allowing 4 runs over 5 innings. Manager Kishida said, “It was his first start in about two months, but he seemed to be feeling his way a bit at the start….”It started with struck out, but then dropped third strike, so maybe he had a hard time finding his rhythm,” he said, reflecting on the first inning pitch, in which he gave up a two-run doble to Yasuda and a two-run homer to Soto.

Nevertheless, he recovered from the second inning onward, struck out three consecutive batters in the third. The manager said, "I think he did well. He seemed to settle down after that, so I'm looking forward to his next performance. (His pitching strength) isn't bad either," expressing his expectations for him to be in top form towards the end of the season.

The offense could only manage to score one run in the ninth inning, dropping their winning percentage back to .500. Manager Kishida suppressed his frustration, saying, "We just couldn't break through Jackson. Tomorrow we'll face Lucchese for the first time. We'll try to be on the offensive from the start."