◆Pre-season game: Lotte 1-4 Orix Buffaloes (10th, Zozo Marine Stadium)

Orix Buffaloes 's new foreign player, infielder Bob Seymour (27), formerly of the Rays, got his first hit in his 14th at-bat in the exhibition game. He started as the fourth batter and designated hitter. With one out in the fourth inning and count at 1-2, he hit Kimura's fourth pitch to the right front. "I'm glad I was able to hit it. I was a little slow in getting the timing right, but I was able to fix that." He walked at the top of the Walk inning, leading to two runs.

He is a powerful player who hit 30 Home Run in 2013 in Triple-A, but has struggled against Japanese pitcher so far. "I'm not too worried about the results, so I just want you to do what you have to do," said Manager Kishida, who closer him calm his impatience. Having been a slow starter since his time in the US, this has given him a renewed sense of awareness that he needs to be at 100% for the opening game rather than just focusing on immediate results. "The management, fans and other players have really supported me. I've been able to adjust smoothly," he said, expressing his gratitude for the consideration shown to those around him.

The manager stated, "He must be relieved. He's getting used to it. I think he'll still be at bat a lot, so let's have him see the ball," clearly stating his intention to continue using him. The left-handed power hitter candidate responded, "I want to play well in front of these wonderful fans," and is preparing the groundwork for a big rampage. (Nambu Shunta)