◆Pacific League Orix Buffaloes 3-1 Lotte (4th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes won a close game, ending their three-game losing streak. Takashima, who started in just five days in his first professional career, pitched 4 hit 1 runs five innings and set a new career high for his sixth win (his total for the previous two seasons was four wins). Manager Kishida said, "He was able to skillfully swing his arm and switch between change-up and fork. He's been throwing longer inning, and the types of pitches he's been handling have increased. I think he's currently learning pitch to closer hitter," acknowledging his growth.

In the second inning with the score tied, the lineup took the lead when Hori, making his first start as catcher this season, recorded his first career RBI on a groundout to shortstop with one out and a runner on third. After providing the winning run, he led five pitcher to a total of only one runs allowed through his defense. The manager praised him, saying, 'He led them well enough. I think he stays very calm.'

Avoiding the crisis of falling to fifth place with a loss, the team secured a winning season record against Lotte for the second consecutive year. Manager Kishida tightened his focus, stating, 'We just have to keep finding ways to stack up wins.'