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

Orix Buffaloes Ryoma Nishikawa outfielder (31) hit the team's first pitch of the open game. He started the game as "No. 2, left field," and in the top of the 4th inning, with the score tied, he swung at Kimura's fastball from 2 pitches away. He swung at Kimura's fastball from the top of the 4th inning with the bases loaded and delivered a solo shot to the middle of the right field bleachers. I was able to swing and catch the ball well without feeling overpowered," he said with a sense of fulfillment in his voice.

In the 2013 exhibition games, he struggled with a batting average of .51 with just two hit in 39 At Bat-bats. However, he continued to produce good hits after the season started, and ultimately achieved a batting average of .310 despite not reaching the required number of at-bats. "Of course, numbers play a part, but at this time of year, I would rather focus on my own instincts. I want to enter (the season) in as good a condition as possible." The opening game against Rakuten Eagles (Kyocera Dome Osaka) is on the 27th. He will continue to hone his outstanding skills.