Orix Buffaloes pitcher Anderson Espinoza has been scheduled to start against Lotte on the 8th (at Kyocera Dome). In his previous start on the 1st against Seibu Lions (at Belluna Dome), he threw 110 pitches, allowing only 5 hit strike out 7, earning his first shutout game win in his 46th NPB game. The right-hander, in his third year in Japan and riding a wave of momentum, said with a grounded attitude, "I've been able to continue my adjustments as usual, so my body is in very good condition. It doesn't matter that I had a good start before, my start is important. The past is in the past, so I'm focusing on the next one."

His first child with his partner, a son named Kenzo, was born on February 25th, and he smiled as he said, "My mother and partner all watched Pacific League TV (last time) and celebrated a lot." With his family's support as his motivation, he aims to secure his second win of the season.