[Orix Buffaloes] Espinoza throws his first complete game shutout game since coming to Japan… Manager Mamoru Kishida, who has used a total of 19 pitcher in the first four games of the season, expresses his gratitude: “It’s a big deal. Nice pitching.”
Sports Hochi
April 1, 2026 22:45
◆ Pacific League Seibu Lions 0-4 Orix Buffaloes (August 1st, Belluna Dome)
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 7, earning his first shutout game win in his 46th appearance in NPB. Manager Mamoru Kishida praised him, saying, “His first shutout game is fantastic. He handled the ball very well. breaking ball were good from the start, so he was able closer the game with good rhythm.”
On March 28th, Kuri pitched shutout game win Rakuten Eagles (Kyocera Dome Osaka), marking the second shutout by starter in just the fifth game of the season. Given that a total of 19 pitcher had been used in the four games leading up to the opening, the manager expressed his gratitude, saying, “This is a huge help. It was a really great pitching performance.”
In the sixth inning, the offense scored four runs, including a timely RBI to right field by Seymour, his first RBI since coming to Japan, extending their winning streak to eight games against Seibu Lions starting pitcher, Takahashi Hikaru. “Seymour was tenacious and delivered a timely hit. We were able to connect and advance runners as a whole (as an offense). I think it was good,” he said, expressing satisfaction with the victory achieved through the combined efforts of pitching and hitting.