◆Exhibition game: Orix Buffaloes vs. Hiroshima (April 4th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes ・Yamashita threw a fastball at a good tempo. He started in the team's first game of the open game and went 5 innings, 3 hit, no runs, 2 strike out. In the first inning with 2 outs, 2nd and 3rd base, he slashed Akiyama with a fastball and slashed struck out, and took the Hiroshima batting line with a curve, fork, and cutter with a maximum speed of 155 km/h. "It was good that (the cut) was thrown within the left-handed hitter," he said with a satisfied expression.

During the Miyazaki training camp in February, he repeatedly practiced a pitching form that would reduce the strain on his lower back, which had plagued him until 2025. So far, he has made three appearances in actual games, pitching a total of 9 2/3 runs innings, showing promising progress. "I have to throw even better pitches than before with a form that won't cause injuries," he said, aiming to complete his first full season in his sixth year as a professional.

With ace pitchers Miyagi and Soya also participating in the WBC, the 161 km/h right-hander is a candidate for opening pitcher along with Kuri. "No one has told me where I'll be pitching yet. It's only natural for a starter to be ready for the opening game," he said, conscious of taking on this important role for the second time since 2023, and aiming to be in top form.