Lotte's Koshiro Hiroike will make his first start of the season in the game against Seibu Lions on the 12th.

Hiroike commented through the team, "It's been a while since I've started, so first of all I want to do is enjoy pitching, and without thinking about reliever, I want to pitch aggressively with the same intensity as when I'm in relief and make the most of the game."

Hiroike has earned a spot on the opening day roster for the first time this season, and so far has pitched 5 1/3 innings in two games ERA of 0.00. In his last appearance on the 5th against Softbank Hawks, he pitched 3 2/3 innings closer allowing runs, earning him a chance to make his first start of the season.