SoftBank Hawks defeat Orix Buffaloes in farm league shutout

In a Pacific League farm game, the SoftBank Hawks secured a 3-0 shutout victory against the Orix Buffaloes. Jackson Ratlidge made a successful debut, pitching five scoreless innings with only two hits allowed.

SoftBank built its lead in the second inning through hits by Isamu Nomura and Yuto Akahiro, followed by a double from Riku Watanabe and an error by the opposition. Jeter Downs later added an RBI single to extend the lead to three runs.

In other NPB news, Orix pitcher Espinosa, who holds a 10-4 record this season, is aiming for his fourth win against the Seibu Lions. If successful, he would tie the club record for most wins by a foreign pitcher against Seibu in a single season.