◆ Pacific League: Nippon-Ham vs. Seibu Lions (17th, ES CON FIELD)

Nippon-Ham manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo immediately promoted third-round draft pick infielder Ruan Ohtsuka to the starting starting line-up as the leadoff hitter and second baseman. He became the first rookie on the team to be promoted and to make his debut.

Otsuka played in 14 games in the farm league, batting .267 with 1 Home Run and 6 RBI. He replaced Castro, who had 2 Home Run but a batting average of .125 with no hit other than his home run, and earned his first promotion to the first team.

Otsuka revealed, "I'm determined to do it. Yesterday, I received a direct message from the boss, and it's been decided that I'll be on this side (the first team). In the message, he said, 'You'll be on the first team starting tomorrow, so be motivated and well-prepared.'"

Also, because it was a game played away from Chiba, Kiyomiya Yuki and Gunji were both left out of the starting starting line-up, and Nomura was used as the cleanup hitter and first baseman.

Nippon-Ham' starting line-up is as follows:

1 (2) Otsuka

2 (Shortstop) Mizuno

3 (Finger) Reyes

4. Nomura

5 (left) Mizutani

6 (Right) Manami

7 (Center) Yazawa

8 (3) Narama

9 (catcher) Tamiya

Starting pitcher: Kitayama