◆Exhibition game: The Giants 2-1 Rakuten Eagles (March 20, Tokyo Dome)

Rakuten Eagles is determined to be the first opening pitcher Kosei Shoji pitcher to start the season, and pitched well with 2 hit nothing runs in the middle of the 5th inning. The batting lineup got on the board first in the 2nd inning with Hideto Asamura infielder 's 3rd solo shot of the open game, but mistakes by defense in the middle innings led to a comeback loss.

In the 6th inning with a one-run lead, runner advanced to third base with a bad throw by rookie Ryu Kutani pitcher (Prince), ranked 6th in the draft, from second and first base, allowing No. 4 Dalbec to tie the game.

In the 8th inning, with one out and one on, Sora Suzuki pitcher lured runner away with a ground ball, while a playground throw from Asamura at first base Rui Muneyama infielder was bobbled by the playground runner and moved to third base. Soyama also fielder’s choice gave up the final run when he also throw gave up the final run on a wild pitch from Urata to home base.

After the match, manager Hajime Miki made a stern comment, saying, "We need to seriously reflect on this as a team." As it was a runs that would not be acceptable in regular season he said, "It was the worst way to concede a goal. I want them to think carefully about what happened and why it happened. We want to make sure that we don't concede goals like this during the season," demanding a review and confirmation of the play.