
◆Preseason match Rakuten and Seibu (8th, Shizuoka)
On his first day joining the first team, Seibu outfielder Takuya Hiruma hit a timely single to center field off his senior at Waseda University, Hayakawa, in the fourth inning.
He was the 2022 first-round draft pick and was given the chance to start as the sixth batter and right starting line-up. He walked in his first at Walk bat in the second inning, and in his second at-bat in the fourth inning with two outs and a runner on second base, he skillfully picked up a low fork with count at 2-2 and hit line drive to center field. He was pleased with the hit, showing his tenacity, saying, "I think I was able to hang in there even though I was down to two strike, and that led to a hit."