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

Softbank Hawks Hawks pitcher Hsu Hsu Jo-Hsi, who represented Taiwan in the World Baseball Classic (WBC), pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing only one runs, in his first appearance since the WBC.

The Taiwanese team, along with Australia and South Korea, had a 2-2 record, but were eliminated in the first round (Tokyo Dome) due to tournament regulations. They finished all their matches on the 8th and remained in Japan.

He had pitched well in the game against Australia on the 5th, allowing only two hit and no runs in four innings, so he was well-prepared for this appearance. His fastball exceeded 150 km/h, and his breaking balls, including fork and curveball, were also breaking ball.

Although he gave up a solo home run to Tanaka with one out in the first inning, he pitched flawlessly after that. He recorded strike out, making a strong case for a spot in the opening day rotation.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, with the score tied 1-1 and runners on first and second with two outs, a pitching change was announced. The second pitcher, Hikaru Kimura, walked the next hitter, Walk, loading the bases with two bases loaded. Nevertheless, he managed to get Sano closer a foul fly to third base, putting out the fire brilliantly.