On the 27th, Lotte win Seibu Lions 3-1 at Zozo Marine Stadium. They took the lead in the bottom of the second inning with a timely hit by Ko Matsukawa, and then added a crucial second run in the eighth inning with a solo home run by Polanco after the score became 2-1. On the pitching side, rookie draft pick #2, Kaito Mori, pitched five runs innings to earn his first professional win.

On the CS Fuji TV ONE program "Pro baseball News 2026," which aired on the 27th, the topic of Kaito Mori was given the important role of opening day pitcher for the first time in 76 years in the team's history, was discussed. On that day, Mori pitched well, throwing 70 pitches over 5 innings, allowing only 4 hit no runs, and was awarded winning pitcher. Atsushi Kataoka, who was appearing as a commentator, praised him, saying, "Even the most experienced pitcher get nervous in this opening game, so it's impressive that he was able to pitch like that."

He continued, "I think the key point is that the coaching staff paired him with his classmate Matsukawa as a battery. He certainly lived up to those expectations," commenting on the coaching decision.

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"