◆Exhibition game: Softbank Hawks vs. Chunichi (March 18, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Softbank Hawks Isami Nomura infielder hit the long-awaited first open game.

With three runs on base and one out in the 8th inning, Chunichi ⋅ Katsuno swung at a 152 km/h straight ball on his first pitch. He hit it hard and it went to the terrace in right-center field. The 12 Home Run growth stock from last season said, "I was able to catch a straight ball well. There are only a few days left until the season opener, and I was looking for a result, so I'm glad I was able to home run get one. I was able to show my strengths in this at-bat. I would like to continue to produce results.