OSAKA, Japan (Interstat) — Ryuhei Sotani delivered five strong innings and the Orix Buffaloes used a four-run third to defeat the Saitama Seibu Lions 5-1 on Tuesday evening at Osaka Dome.

Sotani earned the win, allowing one earned run on five hits over five frames. The Buffaloes sent nine men to bat in the decisive third, highlighted by Ryoma Nishikawa’s two-run single. Seibu managed 10 hits but stranded nine runners. Masayuki Kuwahara went 4 for 5 in the loss.

The victory before 21,863 fans improved Orix to 8-7, while Seibu fell to 6-9-1. The teams continue their series Wednesday.