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**Orix Breaks Losing Streak Against Softbank in Thrilling 5-4 Victory**
**Fukuoka, Japan** – The Orix Buffaloes finally ended their long drought against the Softbank Hawks, securing a hard-fought 5-4 victory at the Mizuho PayPay Dome on the 20th. This marks their first win of the season against Softbank and snaps a painful 13-game losing streak dating back to July 26th of last year.
The game was a nail-biter, with Orix rallying in the ninth inning to break a 3-3 tie. After Yamazaki was put out pinch hitting with the bases loaded and no outs, Hirooka delivered the crucial winning run. Sugimoto followed with a sacrifice fly to extend the lead. Softbank’s Kondo hit a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth against Saiki, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.
The victory came at a potential cost for Orix, as outfielder Ryoma Nishikawa was injured in the 5th inning after hitting himself in the lower right leg and left the game. His absence could be a significant blow to the team’s playoff aspirations.
For Softbank, the loss snapped their own winning streak against the Chiba Lotte Marines at eight games. Birthday pitcher Machado will likely be disappointed with the outcome.
In other Orix news, Taisuke Yamaoka struggled with walks in a previous game, contributing to a losing streak. Manager Mamoru Kishida is looking for ways to turn things around.