Lotte pitcher Yuki Karakawa (37) will start in the game against the Softbank Hawks (ZOZO) on the 3rd, which will be his retirement match.

The right-hander, who joined the team as a first-round pick in the 2007 high school draft from his hometown of Narita and is now putting an end to his 19-year playing career, expressed his determination by saying, 'I haven't been able to pitch at Marine Stadium at all for the past few years. I would be happy if I could at least show myself pitching there one last time. I want to prepare and throw the best pitches I am capable of right now.'

◆Yuki Karakawa: Born July 5, 1989, in Narita City, Chiba. 37 years old. While at Narita High School, he appeared in the Senbatsu (Spring Koshien) in 2006 and 2007. He joined Lotte as a first-round pick in the 2007 high school draft. His career totals over 350 games are 82 wins, 78 losses, 64 holds, and a 3.71 ERA. This season, he has 0 wins and 1 loss in 1 game with a 7.20 ERA. 181 cm, 90 kg. Right-handed pitcher and hitter. His estimated salary for this season is 44 million yen.