◆Exhibition game: DeNA 5-2 Softbank Hawks (March 14, Yokohama)

pitcher Haru Matsumoto who is slated to make the opening day rotation for the first time in his career, pitched six innings as a starter, allowing seven hit and two runs. He showed pitch even with runner on base, such as striking out the fifth batter, Yamamoto, struck out when there were two outs and runners on second and third in the fifth inning. "I reflected on last year's performance, and I realized that even with runner on base, what I have to do is the same. I make a firm decision in my mind whether to throw strike or a ball, and I'm better at believing in myself and throwing with confidence than last year," he said.

Manager Kokubo praised him, saying, "He threw over 90 pitches, and I think he made a solid impression as a starter." While he didn't make any definitive statements about him being in the opening day rotation, the 25-year-old left-hander is an indispensable part of the starting rotation.