◆ Pacific League 3-1 Seibu Lions (27th, ZOZO Marine Stadium)

Seibu Lions lost their opening game against Lotte after a close contest.

Starting pitcher Yutaro Watanabe (25), making his first opening day pitcher in his eighth professional season, threw 112 pitches over seven innings, giving up six hit and two runs before being relieved, failing to secure a win in the opening game. His fastest pitch was recorded at 152 km/h. In the second inning, with the score tied 0-0, he gave up a go-ahead RBI single to Matsukawa with two outs and bases loaded hit on second base. In the fourth inning, he walked two consecutive Walk and gave up a hit to load the bases with no outs, and after getting one out, he gave up another RBI single to Matsukawa, allowing a second run.

sacrifice fly The batting lineup had two outs and a double in the first inning, one out and a double in the third inning, and one out and a double in the fourth inning. runner was in scoring position three times, but could not get one more run.

When asked about his aspirations at the press conference the day before, manager Nishiguchi said, "Last year we aimed for a style baseball baseball where we win by playing defensively, and I think we were able to do that to some extent. So this year, I want us to try to win by hitting, and increase the number of games where we score even one run." When asked about his feelings, he also encouraged fielder, saying, "I'm basically excited to see how well our team will hit tomorrow," but they were unable to live up to those expectations.