Lotte Marines pitcher Yuki Karakawa held an open practice session at their home stadium, ZOZO Marine Stadium, on the 5th. He worked up a sweat with catch practice and other drills with Sakai, who is in his second year with the team and is also from Chiba Prefecture.

Last season, due to injuries and other factors, he had a record of 1 win and 1 loss in 2 games with ERA of 4.00. He will be starting fresh in his 19th season, with manager Saburo in charge. Saburo used to take him out to eat almost every day when he was an active player, and Saburo says he feels indebted to him, saying, "The fact that I can still be a professional baseball player today is partly thanks to Saburo."

"He's my favorite senior, so I want to lift the coach up in celebration in the fall. I need to perform in a way that will make him needed there. I'm prepared to pitch if I'm called upon in any situation, anywhere, so I want to make sure I'm prepared," he vowed to make a comeback.