◆Preseason match: Seibu 1-0 Hanshin Tigers (11th, Belluna D)

Shinya Sugai, a left-handed pitcher in his fourth year after graduating from high school and who won the Farm Team Outstanding Player Award last season, made a strong case on the 11th to be included in the opening rotation.

He started in the first home exhibition game against Hanshin Tigers (Belluna D). He got off to a good start in the first inning, striking out all three batters, and then pitched a spectacular five innings with no hit, two strike out and pitch runs being taken off the mound. "Today's pitch was really good. I was able to keep breaking ball in the zone, which allowed me to advance count in my favor," he said, but he also Walk the leadoff hitter in the third and fourth innings, and reflected on his performance, saying, "Starting off with the leadoff batter has been a bit of an issue for me recently. My form became inconsistent."

There is one month left until the opening game. "I pitched a few times as a starter last year, but I couldn't keep pitching, so I want to make sure I make an impact now and do my best to be included in the opening game rotation," he said enthusiastically.

Manager Nishiguchi Fumiya also expressed his expectations, saying, "Well, I think his condition is gradually improving. I don't think there are any problems at the moment. I'd be in trouble if he doesn't aim to be in the opening rotation."