Seibu Lions Lions pitcher Yuutaro Watanabe (25) expressed confidence on the 17th about his currently improving sweeper, saying, "Today it passed."

On this day, he threw 50 pitches in bullpen with catcher sitting behind him. He had mastered the pitch before, but "it wasn't a pitch I used often." He mainly threw the "sweeper," which he hadn't used much, and reflected, "I got a feel for it today. It was good, so I kept throwing while checking if I could continue throwing properly, and I was able to, so the feeling was good. Today I passed. I think I can throw with confidence."

Last season, his 7th year as a professional, he made a big leap forward by marking 7 wins, the most of his career. This season, he declared, "inning is the most I want to throw in the team, and the rest is double digits (win)." Regarding the opening pitcher, which is vacant, he said, "Of course I want to do it," but added, "No matter where I am entrusted, I just do my best. Even if you score a point, it is important to get through with at least runs."