◇ Orix Buffaloes vs. Tokyo Yakult "Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026" Game 1 (9th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes Shota Hiranuma The player hit his first RBI single since joining the team.

In the bottom of the second inning, with the score tied 0-0, Hiranuma, who started as the number 8 batter and left fielder, stepped up to the plate with one out and runners on first and second base. He hit the first pitch, a fastball from opposing pitcher Kengo Matsumoto, and the ball went through the gap between second base and shortstop. This hit allowed runner on second base to score, giving his team the lead.

Hiranuma transferred from the Saitama Seibu Lions in the active player draft last offseason. He started the season in the farm team but was promoted to the first team on April 24th. On May 17th, in a game against Chiba Lotte Marines, he made his first start since the transfer and recorded his first hit, extending a scoring opportunity. On June 6th, in a game against the Hiroshima Carp, he recorded his first RBI since the transfer.

◇Comment from Hiranuma
"It was a chance, so I went for it aggressively! I'm glad we were able to score first! I'll continue to do my best to win!"

Written by Aoi Nemoto