[Orix Buffaloes] Espinoza, in his third year in Japan, achieves his first shutout game win shutout in his 46th NPB game, and new foreign player Seymour gets his first RBI | Pacific League

[Orix Buffaloes] Espinoza, in his third year in Japan, pitches his first complete win shutout game in his 46th NPB game, and new foreign player Seymour gets his first RBI

Sports Hochi

April 1, 2026 20:45

◆ Pacific League Seibu Lions 0-4 Orix Buffaloes (August 1st, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes secured their second shutout game victory of the season. Starting pitcher Espinoza, a right-hander in his third year in Japan, hit and strike out seven, earning his first shutout game win in his 46th appearance in NPB.

In the sixth inning, with the score tied 0-0, Hirooka hit a timely RBI to right field with no outs and a runner on second to give the team the lead. They then added two more runs on a passed ball and fielder’s choice, and with one out and runners on first and third, Seymour hit a timely single to right field, his first RBI since coming to Japan. They scored four runs in this inning, extending their winning streak against Seibu Lions starting pitcher Takahashi Hikaru to seven games. With both pitching and hitting clicking, they are back to a one-game lead in the standings.