◆パ・リーグ　オリックス６―２日本ハム（１４日・京セラドーム大阪）

Orix Buffaloes won the first game of their three-game series against third-place Nippon-Ham, putting them one game above .500 for the first time since the 7th. The hero of the game was leadoff hitter So. In the 6th inning, trailing by one run, he hit a two-run homer off Tatsumi with one out and a runner on second to give his team the lead. In the 8th inning, after the score was tied, he hit a game-winning two-run homer off Hori with one out and a runner on second to score his 10th of the season. It was his first time hitting double-digit home runs, and he had a great game with four RBI. Manager Kishida praised him, saying, "It was a truly wonderful hit. This year, from the start of the season, he said, 'I'm going to gain weight and build up my power.' That might be why he hit double digits."

On the pitching side, starter Takashima gave up two runs in 6 1/3 innings. Although he didn't get his fifth win, he pitched 89 pitches, mainly using his fastball which reached a maximum speed of 154 km/h, to control the game. The manager acknowledged his strong pitching, saying, "He pitched really well. He had power and was indeed closer in check. If he had been able to get the first batter out in the seventh inning, when we had the chance to win, we might have been able to do something about it," while also expressing his hope that he will become pitcher who can pitch seven innings. After that, Iriyama, Yamazaki, and Machado pitched in a runs relay. Regarding Mukunoki, who was removed from the roster that day due to an upper body injury, the manager emphasized that it was nothing serious, saying, "I don't think it's that big of a deal."

They have closed the gap to 5 games behind third-place Nippon-Ham who are in a playoff spot. Manager Kishida looked ahead, saying, "We really have to go for wins tomorrow and the day after. We'll all work together to somehow snatch those wins. We'll stay focused and do our best."