◆Exhibition game Chunichi 4-10 Rakuten Eagles (March 13, Vantelin Dome)

Rakuten Eagles s Kosei Shoji pitcher (25) will play his first opening pitcher game on the 27th against Orix Buffaloes (Kyocera D), it was decided on the 13th. Manager Miki revealed this after the opening game against Chunichi at the Bantelin D. He explained, "I hope this will be an experience for me to become bigger as pitcher." Soji, who won the big role in his fourth year, said, "It's a special position. I will lead it well," he said enthusiastically.

In the game Chunichi, he pitched a tenacious game, allowing only three runs in seven innings strike out nine. He gave up a three-run homer to Hosokawa in the first inning, but recovered, saying, "I'm glad I had this experience before the season started." He will pitch in one more exhibition game to make his final adjustments. "I have a responsibility to bring win to the team not just at the beginning, but throughout the season," he said, his expression serious as he acknowledged being entrusted with the role of a key player.