◆ Pacific League: Orix Buffaloes vs. Softbank Hawks (28th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes manager Mamoru Kishida has fixed the cleanup hitters in an attempt to defeat the undefeated Yuu Maeda of the Softbank Hawks. Kita, batting third, is in top form with a nine-game hitting streak and has recorded an RBI in four consecutive games. The lineup of Ota batting fourth and Kurebayashi batting fifth remains the same for the third straight game. The versatile Nakagawa and Oshiro are batting sixth and seventh. Starting pitcher Espinoza aims for his 12th win, which would be the most in the league. The starting line-up is as follows.

1 (3) Sect

2 (D) Nishikawa

3 (RF) Kita

4 (1) Ota

5 (Play) Beni Hayashi

6 (LF) Nakagawa

7 (2) Oshiro

8 (middle) Mugi Valley

9 (captured) young month

Starting Pitcher: Espinoza