◆ Training match: Softbank Hawks Group B, 1-5 Taiwanese national team (3rd, SOKKEN)

Softbank Hawks Hawks' minor league manager, Kazumi Saito, expressed his hope for a good match between Japan and Taiwan in the WBC main tournament on the 3rd. His team, consisting mainly of young players in Group B, suffered a loss after pitcher staff gave up 5 runs. He shared his frank impression of the Taiwanese WBC batting lineup, which allowed hit.

First up outfielder, who had two hit. The skilled hitter, who has played in 277 games in the majors, led the batting line, while Wu Nenting, who played for Seibu Lions from 2016 to 2023, also produced results with a single to right hit. Three runs were scored in the second inning and two in the seventh. Second-team manager Saito analyzed his characteristics, saying, "I'd heard that there were many players who played in the majors. From what I've seen, I got the impression that he's very strong against fastballs."

In this tournament, the Japanese national team will face Taiwan in their first game (on the 6th at Tokyo Dome). Samurai Japan is expected to start with Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. "For Japan, it will be a chance to see how much they rely on their fastballs and how they use breaking ball. I think it will be a chance for them to showcase their skills. I hope it will be a good game," he said, wishing both teams the best of luck.