The first game between the Saitama Seibu Lions and Orix Buffaloes will be held at Belluna Dome on March 31st at 6 PM.

[Head-to-head record] Saitama Seibu Lions vs. Orix Buffaloes: 11 wins, 14 losses

[Announced Starting Pitcher]
Saitama Seibu Lions: pitcher Chihiro Sumida 23 games, 10 wins, 10 losses, 2.59 ERA (last season)
Orix Buffaloes: pitcher Yasuto Takashima, 22 games, 2 wins, 1 loss, 3.67 ERA (last season)

The Saitama Seibu Lions will start pitcher Chihiro Sumida. Due to his participation in the WBC, he only pitched in one exhibition game on the 22nd (against Yokohama DeNA). In that game, he pitched well, allowing only one strike out hit out two over four Walk without runs. Last season, Sumida was a key pitcher in the starting rotation, win his first double-digit innings pitched for the second consecutive year. Will he be able to deliver another great performance mound in the home opener?

The opposing Orix Buffaloes starting pitcher will be Yasuto Takashima. Last season, he made a total of six starts, including five from the opening day until May. From June onwards, he mainly pitched in long relief. This season, he has pitched well in two exhibition games, throwing nine inning, allowing seven hit and three Walk strike out seven, and giving up no runs.