◆Exhibition game: Softbank Hawks 5-1 Chunichi (March 17, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Softbank Hawks Japan's top team, have finally entered full-on competition mode.

Chunichi The zero march continued for Ohno, the starter of the game, but before the sixth inning attack with one run in scoring position, the team formed a circle in front of the bench, an unprecedented move in an open game. Strike coach and skills coach Yuya Hasegawa, who was stationed in the center of the circle, reconfirmed the plan he had discussed before the game. He again shared clues to the attack, saying, "Look at the feeling of the opposing battery and how hitter they respond."

This seemed to spur the team on, as Masaki hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh inning, and in the eighth inning, Ihine, who had never hit Home Run in the first team, hit his first home run of the season, a two-run shot. They scored five runs to completely turn the game around and secured win in four exhibition games.

The WBC Japan national team members (Kondo, Shuto, Makihara Dai, Matsumoto Yu) are scheduled to join the team on the 19th. The competition for a spot on the opening day roster is reaching its climax, and the tension is rising. After the game, manager Kokubo explained that they had been preparing since before the game, saying, "We had a batting meeting starting today, so we were simulating the real thing. It was against a Central League pitcher, though." Coach Hasegawa also spoke with a determined expression, saying, "I think it will be too late if we think we can do it when the season starts. We have to fight like we do in the season and raise our determination to win once again. Our opening series is Nippon-Ham. I think we need to go into this week with a heightened desire and determination to win." After today's game, there are four exhibition games remaining until the opening game against Nippon-Ham on the 27th (Mizuho PayPay Dome). The Hawks with a changed look in their eyes, are a different team.