◆ Pacific League Softbank Hawks 0-3 Orix Buffaloes (23rd, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Orix Buffaloes pitcher Ryuhei Sotani earned his fifth win (5 losses) since June 10th. After getting his condition in order, including his left elbow, he made a triumphant return to the first team in his third game back. Manager Mamoru Kishida praised him, saying, "He seemed to be pitching with a sense of superiority," as he shut down Softbank Hawks lineup with a perfect pitch.

He didn't allow a single runner to reach second base, runs seven scoreless innings with only two hit allowed. "I think the biggest reason we won was that we didn't let the leadoff batter get on base. I was also able to pitch well, switching between on and off modes. It was a long one, yes..." he said, savoring the weight of the victory.