The third game between the Saitama Seibu Lions and Orix Buffaloes will be held at Belluna Dome on April 2nd at 1:00 PM.

[Head-to-head record] Saitama Seibu Lions (4th place) vs. Orix Buffaloes (tied for 2nd place): 1 win, 1 loss

[Announced Starting Pitcher]
Saitama Seibu Lions: pitcher Shinya Sugai, 11 games, 5 wins, 5 losses, 3.58 ERA (last season)
Orix Buffaloes: pitcher Hiroya Miyagi, 1 game, 0 wins, 1 loss, ERA 10.80

The Saitama Seibu Lions' announced starting pitcher is Shinya Sugai, who has made the opening day rotation for the second consecutive year. In two exhibition games, he pitched well, allowing only one runs in a total of six inning with ERA of 1.50, and has since made adjustment appearances in the minor leagues. In his most recent game on March 22 against Chiba Lotte Marines, closer to two hit and no runs over five innings.

On the opposing Orix Buffaloes, Orix's pitcher, Hiroya Miyagi, will take mound after five days of rest. This season, he was entrusted with the opening pitcher for the third consecutive year, but he was hit hard, giving up 8 hit 8 runs (2 earned runs) in 1.2 innings. He will be looking for revenge in this appearance. In the batting lineup, Ryo Ota is on a four-game hit, with multiple hit in three of those games.