In a thrilling matchup at Kyocera Dome Osaka, the Orix Buffaloes faced off against the SoftBank Hawks on April 9, 2025, in what turned out to be a heartbreaking game for the Buffaloes. Despite leading for much of the contest, Orix succumbed to a late-game collapse, suffering a 10-9 defeat and marking their first losing streak of the season.
The Buffaloes, who entered the game in first place, have now lost 10 consecutive games against the Hawks, a streak that dates back to September 13, 2024. The tension was palpable as the Buffaloes aimed to break this unfortunate trend.
Orix got off to a strong start in the second inning. With two outs and the bases loaded, Nakagawa stepped up to the plate and delivered a clutch two-run single to center field, putting the Buffaloes ahead 2-0. This early momentum was crucial as the team looked to establish dominance over their long-time rivals.
In the fourth inning, Yomiya, who was having a stellar season with a .441 batting average and four home runs prior to the game, added to the lead with a solo home run that sailed over the left field fence. Yomiya's confidence was evident as he remarked, "I was able to catch the ball well and hit it over the fence." This home run was his fifth of the season, showcasing his remarkable form.
As the game progressed, the Buffaloes continued to build on their lead, adding two more runs in the fifth inning and one in the sixth, bringing the score to 5-1. However, the Hawks were not ready to back down. They slowly chipped away at Orix’s lead, setting the stage for a dramatic ninth inning.
In a pivotal moment, Hirano, who was making his 700th career appearance, took to the mound in the ninth inning. Unfortunately for him, the milestone turned sour as he faced Yamakawa, who launched a devastating three-run home run that turned the game on its head. This home run not only gave the Hawks a 6-5 lead but also marked a significant moment in the game, as Hirano had been a reliable figure for the Buffaloes.
Relief pitcher Iguichi came in to stop the bleeding but was unable to halt the Hawks' momentum, allowing a total of five runs to score in the inning. The Buffaloes managed to respond with three runs in the bottom of the ninth, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit, resulting in a crushing defeat.
This loss was particularly painful for the Buffaloes, who had high hopes of extending their winning streak against their rivals. Coach and players expressed their disappointment in the post-game interviews, emphasizing the need to regroup and focus on their next match.
As the season progresses, the Buffaloes will need to address their struggles against the Hawks and find a way to turn the tide in their favor. With their next game on the horizon, fans are eager to see how the team will bounce back from this setback.
In summary, the Orix Buffaloes faced a tough loss against the SoftBank Hawks, marking their first losing streak of the season and extending their series of defeats against this rival team. The Buffaloes will look to learn from this experience as they prepare for their upcoming games.
