Samurai Japan defeated in exhibition game against Orix, Shohei Ohtani goes hitless in three at-bats, Yusei Kikuchi takes a beating.

In a pre-season warm-up for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Samurai Japan faced the Orix Buffaloes at Kyocera Dome Osaka today, ultimately losing 3-4.

The Japanese team started left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi from the Los Angeles Angels today, but he ran into immediate difficulties. After Orix's leadoff hitter Yusuke Mugitani worked a two-ball count and then connected on a breaking ball for a hit, Ryoma Nishikawa struck out swinging. Rikuo Ota then hit the first pitch he saw for a single, putting runners on first and third. Following that, Yutaro Sugimoto and Tomoya Mori delivered consecutive hits, helping Orix take an early lead and score two runs.

Masahiro Nishino hit a ground ball to the infield with runners on first and second. Japan had a chance to end the threat with a double play, but an error on the second baseman's relay throw allowed Orix to score another run. After Hirotaka Kubayashi flew out deep to center field, Orix led 3-0.

The Japanese batting lineup was completely stifled by Orix's starting pitcher, Noriaki Teranishi, retiring the first six batters in order over two innings using only 26 pitches. Shohei Ohtani, in his first at-bat, watched six straight fastballs before flying out to left field.

In the bottom of the second inning, Kikuchi continued pitching. He retired Ryo Yamanaka first, but Keita Nakagawa hit a line drive down the line for a double, advancing to second on an outfield error. Yusuke Mugitani hit a ground ball up the middle, which was beautifully fielded by shortstop Sosuke Genda, nearly resulting in another throwing error. Ryoma Nishikawa then grounded out, stranding the runner.

In the top of the third inning, Orix changed pitchers to Taiki Tashima, and the Japanese lineup again went down in order. In the bottom of the third, Kikuchi settled down, not allowing any Orix batter to reach base.

Japan's offense remained silent again in the fourth inning. In the bottom half, Masahiro Nishino skillfully placed an infield hit. After Hirotaka Kubayashi popped out in the infield, Nishino was caught off the base and couldn't return in time. Ryo Yamanaka then grounded out, resulting in another quick inning.

In the top of the fifth, Orix brought in their third pitcher, Ren Kuriyama. He retired Munetaka Murakami first, but the next batter, Masataka Yoshida, hit a solo home run, not only recording Japan's first hit but also putting the team on the scoreboard. Following that, Teruaki Sato struck out, and Shugo Maki popped out in the infield. Japan trailed 1-3.

In the bottom of the fifth, Japan changed pitchers to Aki Taneichi. Keita Nakagawa managed a bloop single. Orix sent Ryoto Takahata in as a pinch-runner, who advanced to second on a passed ball. Yusuke Mugitani followed with a hit, driving in the fourth run and taking second base himself. Taneichi then struck out Ryoma Nishikawa and Rikuo Ota consecutively. Pinch-hitter Bob Seymour grounded out to second, ending the inning with Orix leading 4-1.

Pinch-hitter Taisei Makihara singled, but Kensuke Kondo lined out directly to the second baseman. Makihara, having started early, was doubled off first base.

In the bottom of the sixth, Tomoyuki Sugano took the mound for Japan. He issued a walk but escaped the inning thanks to a double play from his defense, then retired pinch-hitter Tomoya Nogueira on a fly ball.

In the top of the seventh, Orix brought in Yamato Saito. Shohei Ohtani, in his third at-bat, flew out to left field. Seiya Suzuki drew a walk, and Munetaka Murakami flew out. Masataka Yoshida singled again, putting runners on first and third. However, Teruaki Sato's line drive was snagged by the first baseman, stranding the runners.

In the top of the eighth, Orix sent Saito Yamazaki to the mound. He walked Shugo Maki. Sosuke Genda flew out, and Taisei Makihara flew out to right field. Substitute catcher Kenya Wakatsuki then hit a long drive, bringing in Japan's second run. Pinch-hitter Yuhpei Nakamura flew out deep to left field.

In the ninth inning, Yuki Sasaki and Keisuke Nakada hit back-to-back singles, putting runners on first and second. Shugo Maki drove in a run with a double, but the second runner was thrown out at home. Shohei Ohtani finished the game hitless in three at-bats with one strikeout. Samurai Japan ultimately lost the game 3-4.