Pacific League: Rakuten Eagles 5-1 Orix Buffaloes (1st, Akita)

The Orix Buffaloes lost, reaching a season-worst 5 games under .500. With a record of 9 wins and 13 losses against the last-place Rakuten Eagles, they have now confirmed their first losing series record against this opponent in four years. Manager Kishida expressed his frustration, stating, 'We are losing to the Rakuten Eagles. There are quite a few games where their lineup strings hits together all at once, and we haven't been able to stop that momentum. That is what's hurting us.'

Starting pitcher Kuri, who celebrated his 35th birthday on this day, gave up a painful opening three-run home run to Muneyama with one out and runner on first and second in the fifth inning. He allowed 5 hit and 3 runs with 5 Walk over 5 innings, suffering his 10th loss (8 wins) for the first time in two years. Following 2016 and 2020 during his time with Hiroshima, he has now lost all three games played on his birthday. Having lost three consecutive starts recently, the manager pointed out, 'He got caught in the fifth inning. There were also many Walk. Since he keeps giving up big hits after letting runner accumulate, I want him to apply those lessons to his next outing.'

The lineup could only manage to prevent a shutout game in the 8th inning with Kita's 8th solo home run over the right field wall. They allowed Rakuten Eagles starter Tatsuki Ito, a native of Akita, to deliver a brilliant performance with 6 innings and 0 runs, handing him a win for the second consecutive week. The gap with 3rd place Nippon-Ham has widened to a maximum of 10 games, making a second consecutive CS appearance an extremely difficult situation. Manager Kishida squeezed out the words, "We will continue to play every single game together without giving up, of course."