Softbank Hawks catcher Takashi Umino hit a two-run home run over the left field fence off Ohno in the Red vs. White game. "I was glad I was able to hit the fastball in one hit. I've been working on improving my hitting ability this year," said the starting catcher, who has been working hard to improve his batting ability during this training camp, and he has seen results in actual games.

Last season, he played in a career-high 105 games, but had a batting average of .220, zero Home Run, and 21 RBI. The starting catcher 's poor hitting has been one of the team's weaknesses, and at this training camp, starting third baseman Kurihara is trying his hand at catcher for the first time in five years. Umino said of Kurihara, "I just hope he doesn't get injured. He's had knee and back surgery in the past. Only those who catcher can understand how difficult it is. Even if I'm catcher, it hurts when he's not there (due to injury). The fact that Kurihara is playing catcher means that there is something lacking in me. I need to accept that and earn his trust."