◆Exhibition game Orix Buffaloes 1-0 Hanshin Tigers (March 22, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes ・ Yoshihisa Hirano pitcher The part-time coach (42) showed a good pitch to clear up anxiety. He took the mound in 3rd place from the 7th inning with a 1-run lead, and runs no hit in the 1st inning. After taking a swing struck out with a treasured sword fork from the leading Kinami, Nakagawa was hit three times with a two seam fastball, and Sakamoto was finished off with a ground ball cutter a new ball. "Today was good, I think (the condition) is sloppy," he said.

In his fourth appearance in an open game, he retired the first three batters he faced, and in a game against Yakult Jingu on March 13, he gave up three Walk in a row from the top of the order, resulting in 3 runs in 1/3 innings of ineffective ball. I hope I can get a solid strike and play in the zone. I recognized that this will be the case from now on," he said, making firm corrections before the start of the season on March 27. Manager Kishida said, "He threw carefully like Hirano, and he has the technique to make even a 141-kilometer pitch look fast," suggesting that he could be in the starting lineup.

This season, his 21st as a professional, he has taken on the role of player-coach, but he said, "They are doing a great job of helping me focus on the players. If the younger pitcher ask me questions, I'll answer them, but they are also my rivals," showing his competitive spirit to the fullest. "Whether as a player or a coach, if there is a role I am entrusted with, I want to do my best. I want us to win the championship," he said, continuing to walk the valuable path of a "two-way" player. (Shunta Nanbu)

〇…Takashima has secured a spot in the opening day rotation. He pitched five hit innings as a starter, runs only three hits and strike out six. After shutting down last season's Central League champions, he expressed satisfaction, saying, "I knew they weren't the kind of hitters that would let me closer them down easily, so I'm glad I was able to pitch tenaciously." Manager Kishida stated, "It was good that his pitching velocity didn't drop until the end. I think Takashima will be in the rotation." The third-year right-hander, who is popular with female fans and nicknamed "the prince from Oji" after his time in the corporate league, is expected to do well.