◆ Pacific League Softbank Hawks 6-5 Nippon-Ham (27th, Mizuho PayPay Stadium)

Nippon-Ham failed to hold onto the three-run lead they had built in the first inning, resulting in their first opening-day loss in three years.

In the first inning, Yuki Kiyomiya scored 3 runs with a single shot from Manami. However, in the opening pitcher, Ito was hit with 3 shots in the middle of the 6th inning with 9 hit 5 runs, and could not keep the lead.

In the 7th inning, Mizutani hit a game-tying solo home run over right field off Hernandez's 155 km/h pitch, bringing the game back to a tie. However, in the 8th inning, the third pitcher, Furubayashi, gave up a run, effectively ending the game.

After the game, manager Shinjo lightened the mood by saying in a high-pitched voice, "It's frustrating," before praising his players, saying, "But it was a good game. Everyone was amazing right from the start of the season. Usually, their legs are shaking uncontrollably, but we were hitting home runs right from the first inning. These kids are incredible."

Regarding Ito, who will be the opening pitcher, he said, "Ito got hit, didn't he? Even if you're in good shape, you're going to get hit sometimes. I think only he can understand the tension of opening day, but sometimes the ball doesn't go as well as you think it will. Let's look forward to his next start." He also stated that Ito will start again after six days of rest, and expressed his hope that he will return to his true form.

Last season, Nippon-Ham had a 12-13 record against the eventual champions, Softbank Hawks. In the Climax Series, excluding the advantage, they were tied 3-3, putting up a nearly even fight. Although they started with a loss, they played a fierce seesaw game from the opening game of this season as well. "I think we'll have these kinds of battles throughout this season, with wins and losses. I think it was really exciting for the spectators, so I want to go back and study hard so that we can do the opposite tomorrow," he said.