The 10th game between Fukuoka Softbank and Orix Buffaloes will be held at MIZUHO PayPay Dome on June 25th at 6 PM.

[Head-to-head record] Fukuoka Softbank (2nd place) vs. Orix Buffaloes (4th place): 3 wins, 6 losses

[Announced Starting Pitcher]
Fukuoka Softbank: Jun Maeda pitcher 3 games, 1 win, 1 loss, 3.52 ERA
Orix Buffaloes: pitcher Yasuto Takashima, 10 games, 3 wins, 1 loss, ERA 3.69

Fukuoka Softbank will start pitcher Jun Maeda. In his previous start (on the 12th against Tokyo Yakult), hit hitless through five innings but gave up three hit in the sixth, resulting in his first loss of the season with 5.1 innings pitched, 3 hit, 1 Hit by Pitch, and 4 runs. In the batting lineup, keep an eye on Kenta Tanigawara. In the previous game, he started not as his usual position of catcher, but as right fielder. He showcased solid defense, including a sliding catch, and also recorded one hit at bat.

On the opposing side, Orix Buffaloes will see pitcher Yasuto Takashima take mound for the first time in about a month. He started the season as a starter, but after being hit hard in 1.1 innings and giving up 5 hit and 4 runs in a game Chunichi on May 31st, he has been pitching in reliever. Ryoma Yamanaka recorded his first professional three-hit game in the previous game. With a batting average of .345 for June, he is in good form, so we can expect him to deliver a game-winning hit in this game as well.

Written by Aoi Nishijima