Orix Buffaloes Manager Mamoru Kishida (45) stated on the 21st that the key to coming from 4th place to a comeback to qualify for the Climax Series is the "starter savings." Out of 112 games with 54 wins and 56 losses (2 draws), the record is 35 wins and 39 losses in games where the starter has a win-loss record. "Excluding bullpen days, the numbers are almost even. How much you can accumulate by adding up is important," clarifying the theme for the final stages of the season.

In the two-game series Softbank Hawks starting on the 22nd (at Mizuho PayPay Dome), Soya will be brought in after Takashima. The left-hander, who returned to the first team for the first time in two months in the game against Lotte on the 8th (at ZOZO Marine Stadium) prioritizing conditioning including his left elbow, practiced pitch in the bullpen at Belluna Dome on the 20th. He threw 30 pitches, mainly checking his ability to throw to different locations, and said, "It's an important game. I want to prioritize the team winning." The manager, who watched him, said, "He seemed to be in good condition. He seems to be able to go as far as he can without any restrictions," expressing his hope for a full recovery.

With 31 games remaining, they are 7.5 games behind third-place Nippon-Ham who are in a playoff spot. Manager Kishida has entered a win-or-lose mode, saying, "We have to win every game equally." Currently, the only starting pitcher with more than two wins is Espinoza, with an 11-4 record. The starters must show their true strength and stage a miraculous comeback. (Shunta Nanbu)