The second game between Chiba Lotte Marines and Fukuoka Softbank will be held at Zozo Marine Stadium on April 4th at 2 PM.

[Head-to-head record] Chiba Lotte Marines (tied for 2nd place) vs. Fukuoka Softbank (1st place): 1 win, 0 losses

[Announced Starting Pitcher]
Chiba Lotte Marines: pitcher Haruya Tanaka 1 game, 1 win, 0 losses, ERA 0.00
Fukuoka Softbank: pitcher Haru Matsumoto 1 game, 1 win, 0 losses, ERA 3.00

Chiba Lotte Marines 's starting pitcher Haruya Tanaka. In his last start (March 28 against Saitama Seibu Lions), he pitched 6 innings, throwing 98 pitches, allowing only 5 hit, 1 Hit by Pitch strike out giving up no runs, earning his first win of the season. Can closer the Fukuoka Softbank offense, which currently boasts a team batting average of .283, and secure a series win?

Fukuoka Softbank will start pitcher Haru Matsumoto. In his previous start (March 28 against Hokkaido Nippon-Ham), he pitched 6 innings, throwing 91 pitches, allowing 6 hit 3 Hit by Pitch hit batsmen strike out up 2 runs, earning his first win of the season. He has earned his first-ever spot in the opening day rotation and has lived up to expectations. He had a good record against Chiba Lotte Marines last season, with ERA of 1.93 in 6 games. He will be looking to get his second win of the season against this favorable opponent and stop the team's losing streak.

Written by Yui Kayama