◇ Chiba Lotte Marines vs. Orix Buffaloes, Game 14 (December 12, Zozo Marine Stadium)

Orix Buffaloes pitcher Espinoza delivered a brilliant performance, allowing only two runs in seven innings. He earned his eighth win, setting a new personal record for most wins since coming to Japan.

In the bottom of the first inning, immediately after receiving a one-run lead, closer the first three batters in order. In the bottom of the second inning, he allowed consecutive hits and Walk, creating a bases-loaded situation with no bases loaded, and was overtaken by a timely hit by Kyuto Ueda. However, from the third inning onward, pitch perfectly through the sixth inning with good tempo. In the bottom of the seventh inning, with one out, he allowed hit and Walk, putting runner in scoring position again, but he retired the next batters and left the game after 7 innings, 94 pitches, 4 hit, 2 Walk, 4 strike out 2 runs allowed.

The team came from behind in the top of the 6th inning, giving pitcher Espinoza his 8th win of the season. This surpasses his 7 wins in his first year in Japan, setting a new personal best. He had a losing record in his first two years in Japan, but this season he has a winning record of 8 wins and 3 losses.

Written by Kai Nagi Niwa