◆ WBC warm-up match Orix Buffaloes and Japan (2nd, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

In the first inning, Orix Buffaloes took a three-run lead off Samurai Japan starter Yusei Kikuchi. Leading off the inning, Mugiya singled to left field, and with one out, Ota singled to right field, putting runners on first and third. Sugimoto then hit a timely single to center field to take the lead. With one out and runners on first and second, Moritomo hit a timely single to right field. Nishino followed with a grounder to third base, which induced an error by the opposing team, allowing the team to score the third run.

For Moritomo, Kikuchi was four years his senior during his time with Seibu Lions, and they even played together as a battery. It was a welcome hit in a "showdown between former colleagues."