OSAKA, Japan (Interstat) — The Orix Buffaloes will look to complete a series sweep and solidify their position in the Pacific League standings when they host the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles on Sunday afternoon at Osaka Dome.

The Buffaloes (70-64-3) took the second game of the series Saturday with a 2-0 victory behind a dominant pitching performance from Shunpeita Yamashita, who struck out 11 over seven scoreless innings. Shortstop Kotaro Kurebayashi provided the offense with a two-run home run.

Orix has won four of its last five games and holds a five-game advantage over the struggling Golden Eagles (65-71-3) in the standings. Rakuten has lost four straight and was shut out for the second time in three games on Saturday, despite a quality start from Kosei Shoji.

The season series between the teams has been tightly contested, with Orix holding a slim 8-7 edge in the 15 games played so far in 2025. According to Interstat’s projections, another close game is expected, with a simulated final score of Orix 4, Rakuten 3. The ELO system gives the Buffaloes a 56.2% probability to win.

Following Sunday’s series finale, the two clubs will meet again in Osaka on Monday before concluding their regular-season schedules with a three-game series in Rakuten’s home ballpark next weekend.