On the 22nd, Nippon-Ham drew 1-1 against Yakult in their final preseason game (at Escon Stadium). This puts them level with The Giants in winning percentage and a tie for the preseason championship. Starting pitcher Kohei Arihara (33) pitched four innings, allowing only one hit and no runs, strike out five, a nearly perfect performance. Also, pitcher Koki Kitayama (26), who returned from the Samurai Japan national team and pitched as the second reliever, pitched 3 1/3 innings, runs four hit and one strike out six. With these additions, the six-man opening day rotation, including Ito, Tatsuya, Takashi Kato, and Hosono, is now set.

In his final appearance of the preseason games, Arihara delivered a masterful performance, mixing his fastest breaking ball at 148 km/h with a variety of breaking balls. He pitched four innings, allowing only one infield hit. With one hit, no runs allowed, and five strike out he expressed satisfaction, saying, "I was able to throw the pitches I wanted to throw, and I was able to end the season on a good note to start the season off right. breaking ball were good, but I was also able to throw my fastball well, so I feel pretty good."

The theme was clear. "Rather than trying things out, I wanted to get solid results." He had pitched in two exhibition games so far. He pitched eight innings and gave up seven runs, so looking only at the results, it would give the impression that he was still in the adjustment phase. "I thought I was making good progress in my adjustments. The results weren't good in the last two games, but I was able to confirm things properly." He was given full responsibility for his adjustments, and he lived up to that trust by being in top form for the opening day.

Manager Shinjo also praised him, saying, "I don't need to say anything. pitcher who knows how to finish things up, as expected." Arihara said, "I wanted to start the season with a good pitching performance, so I was conscious of this being my last appearance in the open games." Preparations are complete. He will face the challenge on March 31st in top physical and mental condition. (Yasushi Yamaguchi)