[Orix Buffaloes] Defeated by superior strength... Third straight loss to Softbank Hawks. Head-to-head record now even at 8 wins and 8 losses. Sinks under the home run barrage from Kondo, Kurihara, and Yanagita | Pacific League

[Orix Buffaloes] Defeated by superior strength... Lost three straight games to Softbank Hawks. Head-to-head record is now 8 wins and 8 losses. Sunk by the home run barrage from Kondo, Kurihara, and Yanagita.

Sports Hochi

August 22, 2026 17:17

In the fifth inning, with one out and runners on second and third base, Orix Buffaloes manager Mamoru Kishida (right) announced the pitching change. (Photo by Haruko Yoshimura)

◆ Pacific League Softbank Hawks 7-1 Orix Buffaloes (22nd, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Orix Buffaloes However, they suffered their third straight loss to the league-leading Softbank Hawks. They were overpowered by a Home Run from the cleanup hitters Kondo, Kurihara, and Yanagita. Starter Takashima failed to make it through five innings, giving up 6 runs to suffer his fourth loss (4 wins).

The batting lineup was also hit against Otsu, whom they were facing for the second time, until the 5th inning. They only managed to score one run in the 6th inning with a right-field single by So with one out and a runner on third. Their record against Softbank Hawks, which had been 8 wins and 7 losses, is now even. Their deficit has also returned to a season-worst tie of 3.

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