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OSAKA, Japan (Interstat) — The Orix Buffaloes host the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters on Saturday evening at Osaka Dome, with first-place Orix looking to extend its Pacific League lead behind a slugging designated hitter who has tormented the visiting pitching staff.

Orix (22-12) enters with the best record in Japan’s Pacific League, while Nippon-Ham (16-20) sits near the bottom of the standings. The game is the second of a five-game series. Orix won Friday’s opener 4-3.

Right-hander Kota Tatsu is scheduled to start for the Fighters. Tatsu (2-2, 2.68 ERA) took the loss in that Friday game, allowing three earned runs on five hits over six innings with five strikeouts. He has been effective recently, posting quality starts in three of his last four outings, including a one-run, seven-strikeout performance over seven innings against Rakuten on April 21 and an eight-inning, one-run gem at Lotte on April 14.

Orix counters with designated hitter Tomoya Mori, who is red-hot. Mori homered twice and drove in three runs in Friday’s win, going 2-for-3. Over his last 10 games, Mori has hit .325 with three home runs and nine RBIs. He has been particularly dangerous against Nippon-Ham, batting .316 with two homers and five RBIs in six meetings this season.

The Buffaloes have dominated the season series, winning six of nine matchups. Nippon-Ham has lost four of its last five games overall.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-4 Orix victory, and the ELO system gives the Buffaloes a 51.7% probability to win.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. local time. The game is the second of five between the teams this weekend. Nippon-Ham will send Tatsu to the mound looking to even the series; Orix aims to push its division lead further behind Mori’s bat.