FUKUOKA, Japan (Interstat) — The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks aim for a series win Thursday night against the Orix Buffaloes at Fukuoka Yahuoku! Dome, just hours after a 22-2 demolition in the middle game of this three-game set.

SoftBank enters the 6 p.m. contest with the Pacific League’s best record at 55-34-1, a stark contrast to Orix’s 44-44-2 mark. The Hawks have won five of their last six, while the Buffaloes have dropped eight of 11.

Third baseman Ryoya Kurihara anchors a potent SoftBank lineup. Kurihara went 5-for-6 with two home runs and five RBIs in Wednesday’s blowout, raising his average to .310. Over his last nine games, he has three homers and 12 RBIs, including a 1-for-2, two-RBI performance in Saturday’s 5-4 win at Lotte. The Hawks outscored Orix 28-3 in Wednesday’s victory, with Kensuke Kondoh adding a 4-for-4, four-RBI night.

Right-hander Carter Stewart Jr. (7 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 6 K) earned the win Wednesday. SoftBank has won 10 of its last 13 games.

Orix will need a sharp performance from reliever Kaito Saiki, who has been effective despite the team’s struggles. Saiki threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings in Wednesday’s loss, allowing just one hit. Over his last seven appearances, he has allowed two earned runs over 5 2/3 innings with three strikeouts. Saiki has not allowed a run in five of those outings.

The Buffaloes won the series opener Tuesday 2-1, snapping a four-game losing streak. Orix has been inconsistent, losing four of its last five overall.

Wednesday’s result marked the widest margin of victory in the season series, which SoftBank leads 6-3. The Hawks have won three of four meetings at the Dome. Orix’s only road win in the series came June 23, a 5-0 shutout.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-3 SoftBank victory, with the Hawks holding a 66.40 percent win probability per its ELO system.

Following Thursday’s game, Orix returns home for a three-game set against Chiba Lotte starting Friday. SoftBank travels to Saitama Seibu for a three-game series beginning Friday.