◆ Practice match: Rakuten Eagles 7-4 Hanshin Tigers (14th, Ginoza)

Rakuten Eagles 's opening day pitcher candidate, Kosei Shoji pitcher pitch a perfect two innings in his first appearance in a real game, allowing no hit no walk strike out two batters. This marks a step towards his first major role in his fourth year as a pro.

The right-hander, who took out six batters in a total of 14 pitches, including struck out from new foreigner Diviney and mainstay Oyama, said, "I was more conscious of my balance than my power. strike I was able to throw well in the zone," said the right-hander with a satisfied look on his face.

The free practice game held over the weekend was filled with fans, even in outfield grass seats, and Hanshin Tigers cheering squad even blared their cheers on trumpets, creating an enthusiastic atmosphere just like the real thing. Is it a quiet training camp? Having spent the training camp in Kin Town, he said with a wry smile, "I was a little excited at first," but added, "I think we'll probably have a full house when the season starts, so I'm really grateful," and it seems to have been a good "dress rehearsal" for the real thing.