◆ Pacific League Orix 3-2 Lotte (2nd, Zozo Marine)
Lotte lost by one point, missing out on their third four-game winning streak to start the season since 2012.
The home opener was delayed a day due to rain. Starting pitcher Yuji Nishino gave up 6 hit and 1 runs in 6 innings with 84 pitches, but in the 7th inning, with the score tied, pitcher Shunsuke Nakamori gave up a painful 2-run homer to No. 9 Nishino, giving the team the lead.
The batting lineup succeeded squeeze with Eito Takabe outfielder at first and third base with one out Walk and an enemy error in the third inning. In the 7th inning, right after the winning run scored, Neftalí Soto infielder hit a timely hit to bring the score within one again, but with two outs bases loaded, Shogo Nakamura infielder flew out to center field. hitter was unable to take advantage of the lead in the 8th and 9th innings.
In the fifth inning, with the score tied and two outs and runners on first and third, No. 4 hitter Soto came up to bat and runner on first started with count at 2-2. While sandwiched between the bases, the runner on third tried to run to home plate but was out, leaving 11 runners on base and the game lacking a decisive move. After the game, manager Yoshii Masato reflected on the first loss of the season with a look of regret, saying, "We only scored two runs with eight hit five Walk, and three errors, which is entirely our (the bench's) fault."
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