The third game between Fukuoka Softbank and Hokkaido Nippon-Ham will be held at MIZUHO PayPay Dome on March 29th at 1:00 PM.

[Head-to-head record] Fukuoka Softbank (tied for 1st place) vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham (tied for 5th place): 2 wins, 0 losses

[Announced Starting Pitcher]
Fukuoka Softbank: Pitcher C. Stewart pitcher had a record of 1 win and 0 losses in 4 games, ERA 2.20 (preseason games).
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham: Kohei Arihara pitcher 26 games played, 14 wins, 9 losses, 3.03 ERA (last season)

Fukuoka Softbank Hawks pitcher C. Stewart Jr. will be returning to mound after approximately a year and a half. Last season, he suffered a left abdominal muscle injury during spring training, resulting in a long absence. This year, he made his first appearance in a game against the Japanese national team in the World Baseball Classic on February 23rd, pitching two hit and hitless runs, reaching a top speed of 156 km/h. He also pitched in four exhibition games, posting a stable ERA of 2.20. He will be looking to deliver a strong performance in his long-awaited return to the first-team mound.

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters are scheduled to start pitcher Kohei Arihara. He returned to Hokkaido Nippon-Ham this season, but ERA of 5.25 in three exhibition games is not exactly impressive. He will be looking to show his ability to make adjustments, pitch well against Fukuoka Softbank, where he played for the past three years, and bring the team its first win of the season.

Written by Aoi Nemoto