◆Practice game: Yakult 1-4 Lotte (15th, Urasoe)

Lotte's fourth-year right-pitcher, Haruya Tanaka, started the game and closer two runs innings, demonstrating his suitability as both a part of the opening rotation and as the opening pitcher.

It was his first game of the season, but he pushed the opposing lineup with a fastball of over 150 km/h. "I was very happy that I was able to play in the zone," he reflected with satisfaction. I think it was great that I was able to hit a straight ball in the zone," he said, looking back with satisfaction. Last season, he pitched in 13 games, the most of his career, and went 3-5 with a ERA 2.48 ERA. I'm aiming for the opening day rotation, but I've also spent the offseason aiming for the pitcher season opener more than anyone else. I'm just trying my best to get results so that I can be appreciated.