[Orix Buffaloes] Taking the lead with back-to-back triples from the start of the first inning; Ryoto Kita: "Since Mune-san made it to third, I was just trying to get the ball in the air somehow" | Pacific League.com

[Orix Buffaloes] Scored first with back-to-back triples from the start of the first inning. Ryoto Kita: "Since Mune-san made it to third, I was just trying to get the ball in the air somehow."

Sports Hochi

August 25, 2026 19:06

In the first inning with no outs and a runner on third, Ryoto Kita hits a go-ahead RBI triple over right field (Photo by Haruko Yoshimura).

Pacific League: Orix Buffaloes vs. Rakuten Eagles (25th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes outfielder Ryoto Kita started as the number two hitter and right fielder. In his first at-bat in the first inning with no outs and a runner on third, he hit an RBI triple that struck the right-field wall directly, providing the opening run.

Lead-off infielder Yuma Mune reached third base with a hit that split right-center, immediately creating a scoring opportunity.

Kita expressed his joy, saying, 'Since Mune-san made it to third base, I went to the plate intending to somehow get the ball in the air. I was able to react well to the breaking ball, and I'm glad it led to a good result.'