Preview: Seibu Lions at Orix Buffaloes

OSAKA, Japan (Interstat) — The Orix Buffaloes will look to continue their recent dominance over the Saitama Seibu Lions when the Pacific League rivals meet again Wednesday evening at Osaka Dome.

The Buffaloes (8-7) have won three of four matchups against the Lions (6-9-1) this season, including a 5-1 victory Tuesday. Orix has outscored Seibu 19-9 in those games.

A quick turnaround pits Seibu right-hander Chihiro Sumida against Orix righty Ryuhei Sotani in a rematch of Tuesday’s starters. Both pitched five innings in that contest, with Sotani earning the win.

Sumida (1-1, 4.24 ERA in recent outings) has faced Orix twice already this season. He earned a win on March 31, allowing three runs over five innings, but took the loss Tuesday despite a quality start of one earned run over five frames.

Sotani (1-0, 1.80 ERA in his last start) held the Lions to one run on five hits Tuesday, striking out four. He will aim for a repeat performance against a Seibu lineup that has mustered just four total runs in its last three games.

The Lions arrive struggling, having lost four of their last five. Their offense has been sporadic, scoring three or fewer runs in 10 of their 16 games.

Orix has been inconsistent but holds a winning record, fueled by a 5-2 mark in its last seven home games. The Buffaloes’ bullpen shined Tuesday, with four relievers combining for four scoreless innings.

According to Interstat, Orix is projected as a significant favorite with a 61.2% win probability. The service’s game simulator predicts a 5-3 Buffaloes victory.

Following Wednesday’s series finale, the Lions travel to face the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, while the Buffaloes embark on a road trip to face the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks.