◆Exhibition game: Rakuten Eagles vs. Seibu Lions (18th, Belluna Dome)

pitcher Yutaro Watanabe (25), who is entering his eighth professional season, secured a spot in the opening day rotation on the 18th.

Rakuten Eagles hit strike out runs In the sixth inning with a three-run lead and no outs, he made an attempt that only he could have made before the season opener: "Normally I would have gone with a straight ball, but I tried cutter," he said, but Asamura hit a two-run shot into the left-field bleachers. But he took a positive attitude, saying, "I made some mistakes, so I hope I can improve my accuracy.

After the game, manager Nishiguchi commented, "He was able to control the game well, and it seemed like he was able to pitch pretty much as he wanted, so that was good." He then stated, "He's a sure bet for the opening day rotation."