◆ Pacific League Rakuten Eagles Orix Buffaloes (13th, Rakuten Eagles Mobile Saikyo Park Miyagi)

Orix Buffaloes manager Mamoru Kishida, whose team has returned to a .500 winning percentage, didn't forget to praise Ryo Ishikawa, saying, "He did a great job leading the team." The 13-year veteran catcher, making his second start of the season and playing a full game for the first time in three years, brought out the best in six pitcher, including starter Tajima, who was replaced after giving up two runs in three innings, and contributed to the team's first series win on the road in five series.

The team's catcher are the two mainstays, Wakatsuki and Moritomo, and Fukunaga is also gaining experience with the first team. Up until now, he had spent most of his time in the farm team or on the bench, but the 31-year-old showed his determination during the crucial summer months. "I was able to stay focused so as not to fall behind. I haven't given up on that, and what I'm doing for that purpose hasn't changed whether I'm in the first or second team. That's always on my mind," he said, renewing his resolve to get more playing time.