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

Orix Buffaloes pitcher Hitomi Honda emphasized that his injury was minor. In the 7th inning with no outs and runners on first and second base, a powerful line drive from Dai Makihara hit him directly in the neck. "For a moment, I felt like I was going to faint," he said, wincing, but his professional instincts allowed him catch.

The relief pitcher, now in his ninth season, was promoted back to the main roster at the end of July after being in the minor leagues. After the game, he walked to the bus home on his own and bravely said, "I think it's just the pain from the swelling, so I think I'm okay."

Manager Mamoru Kishida, who took the player off the mound as a precaution, explained, "I think it's a bruise, but we need to check how severe it is." There are currently no plans to take him to the hospital, and treatment such as icing has been administered.