◆パ・リーグ　オリックス７―１３日本ハム（１６日・京セラドーム大阪）

Orix Buffaloes collapsed, with pitcher in Kyocera D, a season-worst 13 runs, falling back to a 1-0 deficit. After 12 runs on the 15th, they lost consecutively to third-place Nippon-Ham, marking their first losing record in two series. They returned to a life of debt, extending their gap to 7 games—a dangerous zone for a second consecutive Climax Series appearance. In August, after 14 games, they struggled with a 6-8 record, but on this day, the lineup posted 8 hit 7 runs scored. Is a miraculous comeback possible in the remaining 34 games? Orix Buffaloes Reporter Shunta Nanbu, who was in charge, 'saw it.'

They were hit like punching bags. pitcher gave up 15 hit, 3 Home Run, and 13 runs. Manager Mamoru Kishida (45) suppressed his frustration, saying, "This series was important, but the result is the result..." Giving up double-digit runs for the second consecutive game was a defeat that shook him to his core more than the fact that it was only one loss. However, the manager managed to find the words to say, "They didn't give up until the very end," and praised the batting lineup for showing determination in the later innings.

In the 8th inning, trailing 2-13, they managed to collect four hit and score five runs. Particularly impressive was sixth-year player Kida. With two outs and runners on first and third, he hit his second home run of the day, a three-run shot to right field, his seventh of the season. The 23-year-old has hit six Home Run in the five years leading up to last season. This was his fifth home run in August, and his third time this season hitting two home runs in a single game. "I aimed for the second one," said the promising slugger, who seemed to have grasped something important. He's definitely a key player in the later innings.

In the game Rakuten Eagles on the 3rd (at Tokyo Dome), he came in as a pinch hitter for cleanup hitter Ota, who was injured in the first defense, and hit two home runs, including walk-off homer. Head coach Haru had said, "In this world, if you produce results, you'll get a chance to play. He's a player to watch." Based on his experience as manager of the minor league team last season, he analyzed, "He's stopped swinging at balls outside the strike zone and is now able to hit sweet spots with one swing." As a young warrior who has shown remarkable growth in mind, technique, and physical condition, he surely has the potential to completely change the atmosphere of the game.

Ace pitchers Miyagi and Yamashita are out this season due to elbow surgery. pitcher staff has been hit by unforeseen circumstances since the start of the season. Furthermore, Mukunoki, who had the most hold in the league with 28 as the "eighth inning man," was removed from the roster on the 14th due to an upper body injury. Kawase, Abe, and Gonda, who pitched in relief that day, will be readjusted, and new personnel are expected to be added for the three-game series Seibu Lions starting on the 18th (Tokyo Dome, Belluna Dome). Manager Kishida emphasizes that "no one has given up." With 34 games remaining, if the offense, led by the in-form Kita, can seize the momentum, there will surely be a glimmer of hope. (Shunta Nanbu)