OSAKA, Japan (Interstat) — The Orix Buffaloes, holding a narrow lead in the Pacific League standings, will look to continue their recent dominance over the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles when the teams meet again Monday evening at Osaka Dome.

Orix (71-64-3) has won the first two games of this series, including a 10-5 victory Sunday. The Buffaloes have won four of their last five and are 9-6 against Rakuten (65-72-3) this season. Shortstop Kotaro Kurebayashi, who drove in four runs Sunday, and outfielder Keita Nakagawa have been key contributors.

The Golden Eagles have lost three straight and four of their last five. In Sunday’s loss, third baseman Maikel Franco had two hits and three RBIs, while relievers Yuki Hayashi and Katsutoshi Tai each struck out three in scoreless appearances.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-2 Orix victory, giving the Buffaloes a 56.7 percent probability to win. The series concludes next weekend in Sendai.