◆Preseason match: Seibu 1-0 Hanshin Tigers (11th, Belluna D)
Seibu, hoping to avenge last season's last place finish in the league, fell just one batter short of no hitter in their first home exhibition game against Hanshin Tigers on the 11th.
The starting pitcher was fourth-year left-hander Shinya Sugai, who was named farm team's best player last season. He took over after pitching five innings with no hit, two strike out no runs, and then Taira, Hayato Sato, Ramirez and Wingenter all pitched well, allowing no hit until the ninth inning with two outs. In an exhibition game, they are one step away from pitching their first no-hitter since Yakult 's game against Rakuten in 2022.
Maekawa's hit was a grounder to the shortstop. Shortstop Takizawa handled the ball and throw to first bounce, but it bounced once. First baseman Hiranuma stretched his arm out, but his foot went off the base, and the ball was ruled an infield hit. Manager Nishiguchi's request was not answered, and the team was unable to achieve their 11th exhibition game record.
Manager Nishiguchi is also famous for having attempted no hitter three times during his playing days. As a manager, he also experienced "one more pitcher" but won the game and made it three straight wins.
Related News
・[Seibu] Ryosuke Koresawa, third year development player, and Haruki Tatsuyama, join the first team... starting line-up the game against Hanshin Tigers
・[Seibu] Manager Nishiguchi hints at narrowing down the first-team roster after two consecutive games against Hanshin Tigers, saying "We may reduce the number of players at the next Belluna game."
・[Seibu] Seibu Shibuya will host a pop-up event where customers can experience watching baseball game without going to the stadium
・[Seibu] Peko-chan will appear at the ceremonial pitch on April 19th. On the 18th, former players including Muneaki Mori will be in attendance.
・【西武】昨季０勝１１敗の高橋光成が３回無失点 復活の１年へ「とんでもないスタートダッシュを決める」
