◆Exhibition game: Softbank Hawks vs. Hiroshima (March 20, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Softbank Hawks outfielder Yoshiyasu Sasakawa hit a go-ahead two-run single to center field.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, with the score 2-3 and two outs, runners on second and third base, he stepped up to the plate for his second at-bat. He swung hard at the first pitch, a curveball thrown by Hiroshima's second pitcher, Tsunehiro. The ball went through to center field, and both runner scored. The "second coming of Gīta," now in his sixth year as a professional, continues to make a strong case for a spot on the opening day roster.