◆ Pacific League: Orix Buffaloes 4-8 Seibu Lions (10th, Hotto Motto Field Kobe)

It has been confirmed that the Orix Buffaloes will finish in third place or lower this season.

With their fifth four-game losing streak, the team reached a season-high eight games under .500. Manager Kishida squeezed out the words, 'They are playing desperately. We must be patient until the end.' A chance was created in the first inning by Ota, who was used as the leadoff hitter for the first time this season, and Mune, batting fourth for the first time since July 23, drove in the opening run. The lineup shuffle, following a franchise-worst tie of three consecutive shutout game losses, paid off with their first run in 28 innings, but Takashima surrendered four runs all at once in the following second inning.