The 18th game between Orix Buffaloes and Hokkaido Nippon-Ham will be held at Kyocera Dome Osaka on July 20th at 1:00 PM.

[Head-to-head record] Orix Buffaloes (4th place) vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham (3rd place): 5 wins, 12 losses

[Announced Starting Pitcher]
Orix Buffaloes: pitcher Alen Kuri 16 games, 6 wins, 6 losses, 3.03 ERA, 99 strike out (3rd place)
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham: Kohei Arihara pitcher 7 games, 2 wins, 5 losses, ERA 6.47

Orix Buffaloes, currently on a five-game losing streak, are entrusting the task of ending the losing streak to pitcher Alen Kuri. He has recorded quality starts in two consecutive games so far in July. Although he hasn't been blessed with wins yet, he has continued to pitch with stability. Furthermore, with his sixth season of 100 strike out in two consecutive years within reach, expectations are high for him to pitch the game. Meanwhile, the offense, which has scored only one run in total over the two games, will be looking to come back to form, centered around Ryo Ota who got two hit against opposing pitcher Kohei Arihara Arihara in their previous encounter.

pitcher Arihara will be taking mound for the first time since July 2nd. On that day, he pitched a tenacious game against Orix Buffaloes, allowing only 6 hit and 1 Hit by Pitch 6 innings with no runs or hit batsmen, achieving his 100th career win in NPB. He will be looking to ride the momentum of the team that has already won the series. In the batting lineup, keep an eye on Tatsuki Mizuno, who recorded 2 hit 2 RBI on the 19th. In the top of the 3rd inning with 2 outs and the bases loaded, he hit a 2-run doble, and his batting average with runners in scoring position has exceeded .300. Expectations are high for him to continue leading the team with his performance day after day.
　
Written by Ao Yokoyama