The first game between Fukuoka Softbank and Hokkaido Nippon-Ham will be held at MIZUHO PayPay Dome on March 27th at 6:30 PM.

[Last season's head-to-head record] Fukuoka Softbank vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham 13 wins, 12 losses

[Announced Starting Pitcher]
Fukuoka Softbank: Naoyuki Uwasawa pitcher 23 games, 12 wins, 6 losses, 2.74 ERA (last season)
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham: pitcher Hiromi Ito 27 games played, 14 wins, 8 losses, 2.52 ERA (last season)

The two teams, who engaged in a fierce championship battle last season, will clash in the opening game. Naoyuki Uwasawa pitcher Hiromi Ito pitcher take mound as opening day pitcher. pitcher, who achieved double-digit win for the first time in four years last season, served as the opening day pitcher twice during his time with Hokkaido Nippon-Ham. He will be looking to take on this important role for the first time since transferring teams and give momentum to his team as they aim for a third consecutive championship.

On the opposing side, pitcher Ito will be taking lose for the first time in two years for the opening mound. Last season, he strike out, and also received his first ever Sawamura Award. In the WBC, he was the losing pitcher in the quarterfinals, but can he continue his excellent pitching this season and lead the team to their first championship in 10 years? The batting lineup has also been in good form this season, with a batting average of .244 and Home Run in the preseason games.

Written by Kai Nagi Niwa