◆ Pacific League Orix Buffaloes 7-13 Nippon-Ham (16th, Kyocera Dome)

Nippon-Ham 's offense recorded 15 hit and a season-high 13 runs. They have been active, scoring double-digit runs for two consecutive games, and their lead in the standings has also reached a season-high of 13 games.

Manager Shinjo, whose usual response after a big win is "Ask the players," also gave comments after this game. However, perhaps with the upcoming three-game series against Softbank Hawks (at Escon) starting on the 18th in mind, he commented, "Ask the players. But I wish it could continue for three more games."

In this game, Imagawa, who was promoted to the first team to coincide with Moinelo's return, hit his first hit of the season as a pinch hitter, a solo shot over left field. In addition to the "left-handed killer" who hit a home run off Moinelo last season, the offense is in good form thanks to the recovery of players like Gunji.

They are currently 7.5 games behind the leader. In direct matchups against Softbank Hawks this season, they have a record of 3 wins and 14 losses, but they are still showing great determination.