◆Opening game Orix Buffaloes and Softbank Hawks (8th at Kyocera Dome)

For Softbank Hawks, Kenta Imamiya started as the second batter and shortstop, going 2-At Bat hit 3. He was replaced after hitting a single to left hit with no outs in the 6th inning. His batting average in the exhibition games is now .385 with 5 hits in 13 At Bat hit.

"This will be a crucial year," said the 34-year-old, who is conscious of competing with Isami Nomura and others for a regular spot from the start of training camp. If Kenta becomes a starting short stop for the opening starting line-up for the 14th consecutive year, it will be a new record in professional baseball. Until last season, he was tied with Yoshio Yoshida, Takuro Ishii, Kei Toritani, and Hayato Sakamoto for 13 consecutive years. Manager Hiroki Kokubo acknowledged Kenta's good condition, saying, "Kenta has been doing much better."

His biggest rival, Isami Nomura, started as the leadoff hitter and second baseman that day. He had one At Bat in four hit, giving him a batting average of .294 with five hit At Bat 17 at-bats in the exhibition games.