Buffaloes' Comeback! Tongu's Homer Secures Thrilling Victory!

The Orix Buffaloes snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in a dramatic game against the Nippon Ham Fighters, thanks to a stunning walk-off home run by Yuma Tongu. The game, held at Kyocera Dome Osaka on August 1st, 2025, saw the Buffaloes trailing until a late-inning surge turned the tide.

Tongu's Heroics Seal the Deal

With the Buffaloes down 2-0 in the bottom of the ninth, the rally began. Yutaro Sugimoto's timely hit narrowed the gap, setting the stage for Tongu's heroics. With runners on second and third and one out, Tongu blasted a three-run homer, sending the crowd into a frenzy and securing a 4-2 victory.

"Tonmiya wasn't doing so well in the second half of the season, but he still won the All-Star Game MVP and showed his competitive spirit at the end," commented Tanishige Motonobu, highlighting Tongu's resilience.

Katayama Earns First Professional Win

Adding to the excitement, rookie pitcher Raiku Katayama earned his first professional win. Katayama pitched two scoreless innings, contributing to the Buffaloes' comeback effort. He expressed his gratitude to Tongu for the game-winning hit. "Mr. Tomiya hit it and it was 'Gotsu win'," Katayama said, overwhelmed with joy.

Manager Kishida praised Katayama's hard work and dedication, expressing his delight at the team's victory. With young talents like Katayama and Tongu shining, the future looks bright for the Orix Buffaloes.

More Highlights from the Game

• Anderson Espinoza delivered a solid performance, striking out 10 in seven innings.
• The Buffaloes' ninth-inning rally started with three consecutive singles.
• Katayama's commemorative ball was returned by a fan, who received an autographed cap in return.