Mr. Ikeda: "If the starter could just hang in there a bit more..."

On the 26th, Orix Buffaloes overturned a 5-run deficit against Rakuten Eagles to win 7-5. Second pitcher Raiku Katayama closer 3 inning from the 3rd inning without runs, while Ryoga Tomiyama, Kaito Iriyama, Soichiro Yamazaki Machado recorded 12 consecutive outs.

On the Fuji TV ONE program "Pro baseball News 2026" aired on the 26th, MC Yutaka Takagi commented on the relief pitchers' excellent performance, saying, "The reason they were able to come back was because they did a great job not giving up any runs." Commentator Chikao Ikeda added, "I think many of pitcher pitcher in the back are quite tired, but they are still persevering and pitch well, and they've all been improving lately. Everyone is getting better, and Yamazaki is really improving. Everyone's speed is increasing too." He then expressed his hope starter to step up, saying, "Since they're doing so well, if starter could just step up a little more, I think it would be much easier to manage the rotation."

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"