Lotte Yuto Kimura pitcher (20) will make her first start of the season on the 31st against Nippon-Ham (ESCON).

The team won their opening series against Seibu Lions at their home stadium, ZOZO Marine Stadium, with a record of 2 wins and 1 loss. Entrusted with the starting role for the first game of a crucial three-game series to secure a second consecutive series win to start the season, he vowed to win, saying, "I want to ride the team's good momentum and first and foremost, do my best on the pitching. I will pitch without losing heart so that the team can win. I absolutely want to win."

In his second year last season, he started the season with the first team. He made his professional debut as a reliever in a game against Softbank Hawks on March 30th and earned his first win. He also recorded his first professional complete win shutout game against Seibu Lions on September 24th, and showed glimpses of his great potential with a record of 3 wins, 2 losses, and 1 save in 22 games, with ERA of 3.31. In his third year this season, he had a record of 0 wins and 2 losses in 4 exhibition games with ERA 3.50, but still made the opening day rotation. He will be looking to solidify his positioning against Nippon-Ham batting lineup, which closer three straight losses to start the season, and use this as a springboard for further growth.