◆Exhibition game: Hiroshima 5-5 Softbank Hawks (March 22nd, Mazda Stadium)

In the bottom of the ninth inning, with two outs and a one-run lead, Softbank Hawks 's second baseman, Isami Nomura, made a bad throw first base. With two outs and a runner on first, Shogo Akiyama hit a single to right field, which right fielder Yoshiyasu Sasakawa misplayed, allowing the tying run to score. Although the play was taking place in the rain, there was no need to panic, so the coaching staff made a tough decision after the game. Sasagawa, a 23-year-old who had come in as a substitute and hit a game-tying single to center field in the eighth inning, had been selected for the opening day roster before the game, but that was revoked by the final play of the final exhibition game.

"It's not so much about drugs, but rather something that's embarrassing for a professional. It was his last play today. He was already decided to be on the opening day roster. I told him that too. But after discussions among the coaching staff, it was decided that we couldn't keep him on the roster," explained manager Hiroki Kokubo.