◆ Pacific League Orix Buffaloes 3X-2 Lotte (24th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes pitcher Raiku Katayama (23) redeemed himself after only one day of rest. He started the game against Softbank Hawks on the 22nd (at Mizuho PayPay Dome), but was knocked out after giving up 4 runs without recording a single out. "I was determined to get revenge," he said, and in the 9th inning, trailing by one run, he retired the side in three batters, leading to the team's sixth walk-off victory of the season.

During practice on the 23rd, he spoke with manager Kishida. "There are things you need to focus on during the exercise and preparation stages. You need to try more things, and really work on what works and what doesn't, and what happens when you do this," he said. Before the game that day, he also received advice on his preparation before pitching from Soya, who is two years older than him. "Many experienced people taught me a lot, like Higa (pitcher coach), the manager, Atsu (pitcher coach Atsusawa), Taji (Tajima), and Yamaoka. Even though we suffered such a crushing defeat, everyone didn't create a negative atmosphere in a good way, and instead created an atmosphere that made it easier to move forward," he said, expressing his gratitude for their consideration.

The manager praised Katayama's excellent performance, saying, "He got his revenge properly. He had to step up when the team was struggling, but I'm glad Katayama got the win." The team has returned to a .500 winning percentage and achieved its first seven-game home winning streak against Lotte in 17 years, since 2009. The promising second-year pro promised to give his all, saying, "I will do what I need to do properly and contribute to the team like I did today. I hope that the results will lead to good things." (Shunta Nanbu)