The first game between Hokkaido Nippon-Ham and Chiba Lotte Marines will be held at ES CON FIELD on March 31st at 6:30 PM.

[Head-to-head record] Hokkaido Nippon-Ham vs. Chiba Lotte Marines: 17 wins, 8 losses

[Announced Starting Pitcher]
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham: Haruki Hosono pitcher 6 games, 3 wins, 1 loss, 1.51 ERA (last season)
Chiba Lotte Marines: pitcher Yuto Kimura 22 games, 3 wins, 2 losses, 3.31 ERA (last season)

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham suffered three straight losses to the Hawks at Misuho PayPay Dome. For their home opener, they'll entrust mound to third-year pitcher Haruki Hosono. Last season, he recorded quality starts in five of his six games and secured three wins, but he hasn't made a single appearance in the first team since August. He'll be hoping to deliver a strong performance and bring the team their first win of the season.

Chiba Lotte Marines 's starting pitcher will be Yuto Kimura. In his second year last season, he made his professional debut on March 30th and appeared in 14 games as reliever. He made his first professional start on June 17th and has continued to pitch as a starter ever since, marking his first professional complete game and shutout game in his final appearance of the season. This season, his third year since graduating from high school, he is expected to play a key role in the starting rotation throughout the season.